The golden portion represents minerals in the United Republic; the red portion underneath the flag symbolises the rich fertile soil of Africa; and the wavy bands represent the land, sea, lakes and coastal lines of the United Republic.

In the golden part of the flag, there appears a burning torch signifying freedom (Uhuru), enlightenment and knowledge; a spear signifying defence of freedom and crossed axe and hoe being tools that the people of Tanzania use in developing the country.

Elephant tusks are supported by a man and a woman, with a clove bush at the feet of the man and a cotton bush at the feet of the woman (whose head is covered with a golden scarf) indicating the theme of co-operation.

The United Republic motto below –Uhuru na Umoja– is written in Swahili and means "Freedom and Unity".

In time a new emblem, from that of Tanganyika, was created that included the new Tanzanian flag adopted on the Day of Union.