Afghanistan

Adoption

Colors

Symbols & elements

Shahada

The Islamic declaration of faith in black on a white field. Afghanistan has changed flag more often than any other country in the twentieth century.

Construction details

Proportions: 1:2. Plain white field bearing the Shahada (Islamic declaration of faith) in black at its centre, in calligraphic Thuluth script. The white Shahada flag is that of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (Taliban), introduced in 1997 and reinstated on 15 August 2021. The black-red-green tricolour of the former Republic remains in use internationally (UN, Olympic Games). Variants exist: the wording "Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan" in Pashto below the Arabic Shahada; a Dari version has been observed in the north.

Construction sheet

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Specific rules — Afghanistan

• The flag bears a religious inscription at its centre; as such, it must not touch the ground or be flown at half-mast.
• It flies on public buildings and at official ceremonies.

Common conventions

• Keep the flag clean and never let it touch the ground.
• Never fly a torn or faded flag — repair or replace it.
• Illuminate the flag if it stays up at night.
• Never use the flag as clothing, packaging or advertising.
• Dispose of a worn flag respectfully, not in the trash.

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