The official state symbol of the Kingdom of Bahrain - its flag - was approved in 2002.
Description and proportions of the Bahrain flag
The Bahrain flag has a traditional rectangular shape, and its sides are proportioned to each other in a 5: 3 ratio. The Bahrain flag field is two-colored, its free edge is red, and the part located at the flagpole is white. The red and white parts of the Bahrain flag are not equivalent in width: the red edge is twice as wide as the white. The border between the flag fields is a zigzag line consisting of five full white triangles and four full and two incomplete red triangles.
The Bahrain flag, according to the laws of the country, can be used as both state and civil. It is the official symbol of both the army and the Bahrain Navy. The Royal Standard of Bahrain is used as the official flag of the royal family. It is a white cloth, most of which in the center is occupied by the state flag of Bahrain. On a white field at the top of the staff of the royal standard, there is a golden royal crown.
The colors and patterns of the Bahrain flag are repeated on the country's coat of arms, which also serves as an integral part of the state. It was created in 1930 by the British adviser to the emir. The coat of arms is in the form of a red shield with a horizontal white stripe on top. The border between them is a zigzag line with five white teeth, as in the state flag. The background for the shield is a red-silver outline imitating leaves and flames.
Bahrain flag history
Until 1820, the Bahrain flag was a completely red cloth, which symbolized the traditional colors of the Kharijites. This sect in the 7th century separated from the main part of the Muslim community. After signing an agreement with Britain, Bahrain added a narrow white stripe to the flag, placing it along the flagpole. After 13 years, the clear border between the white stripe and the red body of the flag was replaced with a zigzag line to distinguish between the national flag and similar symbols adopted in the regions.
The modern number of white teeth on the flag of Bahrain symbolizes the five main pillars that form the essence of the Islamic religion and are obligatory for every devout Muslim, and the banner itself is an object of special reverence for the inhabitants of the country.
