The national flag of Botswana (Setswana: folaga ya Botswana) consists of a sky blue field cut horizontally in the centre by a black stripe with a thin white frame. Adopted in 1966 to replace the Union Jack, it has been the flag of the Republic of Botswana since the country gained independence that year. The country's motto, Pula, means water, rain, and the life that is derived from it. The first meaning is to represent the harmony and cooperation between the people of different races who live in Botswana, as well as the racial diversity of the country. It is also recommended to follow the tradition of hoisting it at dawn and lowering it at dusk.