Flag of Mauritania

Flag of Mauritania

    Flag Information

  • Flag Type: State
  • Proportions (official): 2:3
  • General information

  • Official name: Islamic Republic of Mauritania
  • Local name: الجمهورية الإسلامية الموريتانية, République islamique de Mauritanie
  • Sovereignty (year): YES (1960)
  • Member of Organizations: UN, African Union, League of Arab States, Organization of Islamic Cooperation
  • Country code, territory: MR, MRT, 478
  • Capital: Nouakchott
  • Large cities: Nouadhibou, Kiffa, Rosso
  • Demography and Culture

  • Population: ~5,000,000 (2024, UN)
  • Religions: Islam (Sunni) ~100%
  • Area (km²): 1 030 700
  • Highest point: Kediet ej Jill (915 m)
  • Lowest point: Atlantic Ocean (0 m)
  • Economy and communications

  • Currency: Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU, UM)
  • Languages: Arabic, French
  • Dialing code: +222
  • National domain: .mr

Description

The national flag of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania is a profound symbol of the nation's identity, its deeply rooted Islamic heritage, and its aspiration for a prosperous future. Adopted on August 15, 2017, following a constitutional referendum, the current flag is an evolution of its predecessor, adding two red stripes to the original green field with a gold crescent and star. This updated design powerfully encapsulates the sacrifices made for independence, the nation's Islamic faith, and its abundant natural resources.

Design and Symbolism: A Harmonious Blend of Faith, Land, and Sacrifice

The flag of Mauritania features a green field, a golden crescent moon, and a five-pointed star, bordered by two horizontal red stripes at the top and bottom. Each element carries significant meaning:

  • Green Field: The predominant green color of the flag is a direct and powerful symbol of Islam, the state religion of Mauritania. Green is widely recognized as the color of Islam throughout the Muslim world, representing peace, prosperity, and the faith that unites the Mauritanian people. It also signifies the nation's hope for a bright future and its commitment to peace and development.

  • Golden Crescent Moon: The golden crescent moon, positioned horizontally with its tips pointing upwards, is another quintessential symbol of Islam. It represents progress and the spiritual guidance that illuminates the path of the Mauritanian nation. The crescent is a common motif in Islamic vexillology, symbolizing the new moon and the beginning of a new era.

  • Golden Five-Pointed Star: Within the open ends of the crescent moon, a golden five-pointed star is centrally placed. The star also unequivocally symbolizes Islam and its five pillars, representing divine light and knowledge. Its golden color further emphasizes prosperity and the rich cultural and historical contributions of Mauritania. Together, the crescent and star signify the nation's adherence to Islamic principles and its role as an Islamic republic.

  • Red Stripes (Top and Bottom): The two horizontal red stripes, added to the design in 2017, represent the efforts and sacrifices that the Mauritanian people have made to defend their territory and gain their independence from French colonial rule. Red vividly symbolizes the blood shed by patriots and martyrs, serving as a solemn reminder of the struggle and resilience required to achieve and maintain national sovereignty. These stripes visually frame the nation's core identity, emphasizing that its faith and future are built upon the foundation of sacrifice.

The harmonious interplay of green, gold, and red creates a flag that is both deeply traditional in its Islamic symbolism and forward-looking in its representation of national aspiration and remembrance of past struggles.

Dimensions and Proportions:

The official proportions of the Flag of Mauritania are a width-to-length ratio of 2:3. This is a standard ratio used for many national flags worldwide, contributing to its balanced and dignified appearance. The two red stripes, added in the 2017 revision, are of equal width and placed along the top and bottom edges, while the central green field, bearing the crescent and star, occupies the larger portion of the flag's height. The golden crescent and star are proportionally sized to be prominent within the green field without overwhelming it, maintaining the overall aesthetic harmony.

History and Evolution: From Colonial Era to Renewed National Symbol

The history of the Mauritanian flag is a testament to the nation's journey through colonialism and its evolving self-perception.

  • Pre-Independence (French Colonial Rule): Prior to gaining independence, Mauritania was a French colony. During this period, the French Tricolour was the official flag. As nationalist sentiments grew, the need for a distinct national symbol became apparent.

  • Original Flag (1959-2017): The first national flag of Mauritania was adopted on April 1, 1959, a year before its full independence from France. This flag featured a simple green field with a golden crescent and star in the center. The green and gold were chosen to reflect the traditional Pan-African colors, symbolizing the nation's African identity, as well as its Islamic faith (green) and the Sahara Desert's golden sands, representing prosperity (gold). This flag served the nation for nearly six decades, becoming a widely recognized symbol of Mauritanian sovereignty.

  • Constitutional Referendum and New Flag (2017): In 2017, a constitutional referendum was held in Mauritania, proposing several changes, including the alteration of the national flag. The proposed change involved adding two red bands to the existing green, gold crescent, and star design. This addition was championed by President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, who argued that the red stripes would honor the sacrifices made by Mauritanians for their independence and sovereignty, particularly during times of conflict and resistance. Despite some opposition, the referendum passed, and the new flag was officially adopted on August 15, 2017. This marked a significant update to the national symbol, reflecting a renewed emphasis on the nation's historical struggles and the valor of its people.

  • Current Status: The 2017 flag remains the official national flag of Mauritania today, proudly displayed as a symbol of its Islamic heritage, its land, and the blood shed for its freedom.

Regional Context and Saharan Identity:

Mauritania is a country located in West Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Western Sahara (disputed territory) to the north, Algeria to the northeast, Mali to the east and southeast, and Senegal to the southwest. Its flag fits within the broader regional context of flags of Muslim-majority nations in Africa and the Middle East, characterized by the prominent use of green, the crescent moon, and the star.

While sharing common Islamic symbols, Mauritania's flag, especially with the addition of the red stripes, distinguishes itself from other flags in the Maghreb and Sahel regions. The green and gold evoke the desert landscapes and the Islamic character of the region, while the red additions provide a unique historical narrative specific to Mauritania's fight for independence. This combination reinforces Mauritania's identity as a nation that is both deeply rooted in its Islamic and Saharan heritage and proud of its journey towards self-determination.

Interesting Facts:

  • Recent Change: The current flag was officially adopted on August 15, 2017, making it one of the newest national flags in the world.

  • Referendum Approval: The change to the flag was approved through a constitutional referendum.

  • Symbol of Sacrifice: The two red stripes, added in 2017, explicitly symbolize the blood and sacrifices made for Mauritania's independence and territorial defense.

  • Islamic Symbolism: Green, the crescent moon, and the star are universally recognized symbols of Islam, highlighting Mauritania's identity as an Islamic Republic.

  • Pan-African Colors: The original green and gold of the 1959 flag align with the Pan-African color scheme, reflecting Mauritania's African identity.

  • Desert Nation: A large portion of Mauritania is covered by the Sahara Desert, and the golden elements on the flag can also be seen as representing the sands of the desert and its potential for wealth.

  • Symbol of Continuity and Change: The flag's evolution from the 1959 design to the 2017 version represents both continuity of core national values and an acknowledgement of significant historical sacrifices.

  • Unique Arrangement: The specific arrangement of the crescent and star, combined with the red stripes, makes it distinct among flags with similar Islamic motifs.

  • National Unity: The flag serves as a powerful symbol of national unity, bringing together diverse ethnic groups under a common banner of faith, land, and shared history.

Significance for the Inhabitants: A Banner of Faith, Patriotism, and Resilience

For the people of Mauritania, their national flag is an incredibly significant and revered symbol. It represents not just a piece of cloth but the very essence of their nation's identity, history, and deeply held values. It is a constant visual reminder of who they are and what they stand for.

The green color, along with the golden crescent and star, powerfully evokes their profound connection to Islam. For a country that defines itself as an Islamic Republic, these symbols are not merely decorative; they embody their faith, their moral compass, and their way of life. They instill a sense of spiritual unity and shared purpose among all Mauritanians, regardless of their ethnic background. It reminds them of the peace, guidance, and prosperity they seek through their adherence to Islamic principles.

The red stripes, a more recent addition, hold immense emotional weight. They serve as a solemn and powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by their ancestors and compatriots to achieve and maintain Mauritania's independence and territorial integrity. This evokes a deep sense of patriotism, gratitude, and a collective commitment to defending their nation. The red blood of martyrs and patriots is honored, fostering a spirit of resilience and courage in the face of any future challenges. It signifies that their sovereignty was hard-won and must be cherished.

The flag, in its entirety, is a banner of national unity. It brings together the diverse Arab, Berber, and Sub-Saharan African populations of Mauritania under one common symbol. It inspires a shared sense of pride in their unique cultural blend, their rich history, and their aspirations for a prosperous and peaceful future. Whether displayed at national celebrations, in schools, or during everyday life, the flag serves as a beacon of solidarity, reinforcing their collective identity and reminding them of the enduring values that bind them as a nation. It is a living testament to their faith, their struggles, and their unwavering determination to build a strong and independent Mauritania.


In the demonstration images, full-size flags are shown with proportions of 2:3, and hand-held flags with proportions of 1:2.

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