Socialist Republic of Ethiopia, 1975
On 12 September 1975, the Socialist military “Derg” regime adopted a flag featuring a new State Arms, designed by Tadesse Mesfin. It depicted a traditional plough, emphasising the importance of agriculture, a cogwheel suggesting industry and the 14 administrative districts; attached to the plough is a sling, shaped like the first letter of the Amharic alphabet, emphasising education. A spear, sword and shield, superimposed by a lion symbolise defence. Branches of yellowwood and wild olive frame the emblem. At the top is “Provisional Military Government of Socialist Ethiopia” in Amharic script.