Prior to independence from French West Africa, the Flag of Niger was adapted. The upper orange band represents the northern regions of the Sahara Desert, the center white band represents purity, and the lower green band represents both hope and the fertile regions of southern Niger. The orange circle in the center band represents the sun.

The Flag of India has a passing resemblance, although this is likely to be coincidence. Côte d'Ivoire uses the same colours.