Mauritania

3×5' nylon national flag of Mauritania.

Mauritania's flag gained two red stripes in 2017. After a national referendum, red bands were added to the top and bottom of the green field to honor those who gave their lives for independence.

Design

A green field with a gold crescent, horns upward, beneath a gold five-pointed star, with a red band along the top and bottom edges.

History & Symbolism

The original green flag with crescent and star was adopted on 1 April 1959, ahead of independence from France in 1960. Green and the crescent and star stand for Islam, and gold for the sands of the Sahara. The red bands, adopted on 15 August 2017, stand for the blood of those who fought for the nation's freedom.

Flag Specifications

• Adopted: 1 April 1959; red bands added 15 August 2017
• Official proportions: 2:3
• Colors: green, gold, red
• Emblem: crescent and star

Vexillographer's Note

Flags made before 2017 lack the red bands. The current flag is the one with red top and bottom.

Humphrys Flag Company · Old City Philadelphia · Est. 1864