Prior to independence, the Dutch colony of Suriname adopted its own flag in 1959. The five connected stars represented the five primary ethnic groups of Suriname. The flag was changed to the current design when independence was granted in 1975. As a British colony, Grenada had used the Union Jack in its flag design. The pattern changed when a new flag depicting a nutmeg was hoisted and used from 1967 until 1974. Jean-Jacques Dessalines declared himself Emperor Jacques I in 1804 and created the Empire of Haiti. His assassination in 1806 brought an end to the short-lived empire. Dom Pedro I founded the Empire of Brazil in 1822 and was succeeded by his son Dom Pedro II in 1831. Dom Pedro II reigned for 58 years. The flag featured 19 stars to represent the 19 Brazilian states. Another star was added in 1870. The flag and empire were replaced in 1889 by a republican form of government.
