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Mauritania

Africa

Quick Facts

Capital

Nouakchott

Population

4.6M

Area

1,030,700 km²

Density

4 /km²

Median age

20.8 yrs

Description

Adoption

  • 1 April 1959 (original version, without red bands)
  • 28 November 2017 (red bands added after a referendum, 67 years).
Designed byOriginal version under Moktar Ould Daddah (1959); no individual designer.

Design & Symbolism

Specs plus what each color and emblem means on this flag — tap an element to reveal its meaning.

Proportions

2:3

Shape

Rectangular

Colors

Symbols & elements

Construction details

Proportions 2:3. A green field bordered above and below by a red band, with a gold crescent and star at the centre, pointing upward. The crescent 'cups' the star, an unusual arrangement.

Construction sheet

Etiquette & protocol

How the flag should be used and displayed with respect.

Specific rules — Mauritania

  • The flag is honoured on 28 November, Independence Day.
  • Flown with other flags, it takes the place of honour.

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.
Did you know?

It is one of the few flags whose main colour is green, with a gold crescent and star, both symbols of Islam.

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