Flag of Mauritania Facts for Kids

The national flag of Mauritania.

The flag of Mauritania is a special symbol for the country. It has a green background with a gold star and crescent moon in the middle. There are also red stripes at the top and bottom. This flag tells a story about Mauritania's beliefs and history.

Understanding Mauritania's National Flag
- What Do the Colors and Symbols Mean?
- The History of Mauritania's Flag
  - The First Flag (1959-2017)
  - The New Flag (Since 2017)
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Understanding Mauritania's National Flag

What Do the Colors and Symbols Mean?

The colors and symbols on Mauritania's flag are very meaningful. Each part represents something important to the country.

Green: The green color on the flag stands for Islam. Islam is the main religion in Mauritania. Green is often seen as a color of peace and hope.
Gold: The gold color represents the vast Sahara Desert. Much of Mauritania is covered by this desert. Gold also symbolizes the country's natural resources.
Star and Crescent: The gold star and crescent moon are also symbols of Islam. They are often found on flags of Muslim countries. The crescent moon is a symbol of progress, and the star represents a bright future.
Red Stripes: The two red stripes, one at the top and one at the bottom, were added in 2017. They honor the people who fought and gave their lives for Mauritania's independence. They remind everyone of the sacrifices made for freedom.

The History of Mauritania's Flag

Mauritania's flag has changed once since the country became independent.

The First Flag (1959-2017)

Mauritania gained its independence from France in 1960. Before that, in 1959, the country adopted its first national flag. This flag had a green background with the gold star and crescent in the middle. It did not have the red stripes at the top and bottom. The design was chosen to reflect the country's Islamic faith and its desert landscape.

The New Flag (Since 2017)

In 2017, Mauritania held a special vote, called a referendum. Citizens voted on several changes, including a new design for the flag. The people decided to add the two red stripes to the top and bottom of the flag. This change was made to remember the brave people who fought for Mauritania's independence from colonial rule. It also honors those who defended the country's land. The new flag was officially adopted on August 15, 2017.