The Flag of Mauritania
The flag of Mauritania consists of a green field with a central upward-pointing crescent and star in gold, flanked on the top and bottom by horizontal red stripes. The green and gold are traditional Pan-African colors, while the red stripes symbolize the sacrifices made by the country's people. The crescent and star are common Islamic symbols, reflecting Mauritania's majority Muslim population.
History of The Flag of Mauritania
Mauritania's flag was officially adopted on April 1, 1959, shortly after gaining independence from France on November 28, 1960. The original design only featured the green field with the gold crescent and star, without the red stripes. These stripes were added to the flag in 2017, as a result of a national referendum. The addition was proposed to honor the sacrifices of those who fought for the country's independence and to further distinguish the flag from that of other Islamic countries. The change sparked a significant national debate, reflecting the deep respect and importance of the flag as a national symbol.