Flag of Macau

• The lotus flower on the flag of Macau SAR is a favorite flower of the residents. This is due to the ancient name of Macau - "Lotus Island" - and also means prosperous development in the future; 
• the three petals symbolize the three islands that make up Macau: the Macau Peninsula itself, Taipa and Juao (Coloan); 
• the bridge and seawater indicate that the three islands are connected by a bridge across the sea, demonstrating the features of the natural environment;
• green color symbolizes peace and tranquility, and due to its association with spring, youth and prosperity. Therefore, the choice of green as the main color of the Macau flag not only meets the psychological aspirations of Macau residents, but also coincides with traditional Chinese cultural beliefs;
• five five-pointed stars symbolize the restoration of the Chinese government's sovereignty over Macau; 
• the lotus flower, bridge and seawater together represent Macau's natural geography and landscape, and express hope for sustainable development.

Until the handover of Macau to the People's Republic of China in 1999, Macau officially used only the Portuguese flag, unlike Hong Kong, which used a blue flag along with the Union Jack and its coat of arms during British rule. In 1967, there were proposals to give each overseas province its own flag, consisting of the Portuguese flag with a local coat of arms, but none of them were ever adopted.

After the period of 1911-1999, when the current Portuguese flag was used, a light blue flag with the official coat of arms of the Portuguese colony of Macau was used. During the Portuguese administration, this flag also represented the territory of Macau in international forums, although it was not the official flag of the Portuguese colony.
The modern green flag with a white lotus flower on five stars has been officially used since December 20, 1999.