The original national flag of Burundi (Kirundi: ibendera ry'Uburundi) was adopted after the country's independence from Belgium on 1 July 1962.

The center of the saltire merges into a white disk, on which there are three red solid six-pointed stars outlined in green.

[2] The three stars in triangular configuration stand for the three ethnic groups of Burundi: the Hutu, the Twa and the Tutsi.

[2] The three stars also stand for the three elements of the national motto: Ubumwe, Ibikorwa, Amajambere ("Unity, Work and Progress"),[3] which can be seen on the coat of arms of Burundi.

[citation needed] When the monarchy ruled over Burundi a variant flag featuring a karyenda (a drum said to have divine power) was used.