The state flag of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania was adopted on April 1, 1959. It serves as an integral symbol of the country along with the anthem and coat of arms.
Description and proportions of the flag of Mauritania
The flag of Mauritania has a classic rectangular shape. The length of the flag refers to its width in a 3: 2 ratio.
The main field of the state flag of Mauritania is made in dark green. In the center of it there is a crescent moon in an arc downward, covering the lower part of the five-pointed star. The star and the crescent are applied in gold.
The green field of the banner is a tribute to the main religion practiced in the country. Green has always been considered a symbol of Islam. The star and the crescent are also dedicated to this. Their yellow color symbolizes the sands of the Sahara Desert, on the territory of which Mauritania is located.
The emblem or coat of arms of the country is also based on the national Mauritanian flag. It is a circle with a white border. Along the border field, there is an inscription in green with the official name of the country, made in two languages: Arabic at the top of the circle and French at the bottom.
The central part of the country's emblem is a dark green circle that matches the color of the flag of Mauritania. A horizontally located crescent and a five-pointed star are inscribed in gold on a green field. Against them, the date palm is painted in white, the fruits of which are the basis of the country's exports.
History of the flag of Mauritania
The flag of Mauritania was first proposed in 1958 when the country was granted autonomy status in the French Community. Previously, for more than half a century, these territories were French possessions.
On April 1, 1959, the Mauritanian flag was officially approved, and at the end of 1960 the country gained independence from France. Since then, the flag of Mauritania, raised on all flagpoles of the country, symbolized the sovereignty and free choice of the Islamic state. However, the flag does not reflect the actual situation with the freedoms of citizens in the country. Mauritania is the only state on the planet in which slavery officially exists and today about a fifth of its inhabitants are the powerless property of the ruling class of Berbers.
