Official Palette
Symbolism
The black represents the dark, troubled past; red represents the blood shed for independence; green represents hope, the future, and Islam. The central emblem is a classic mosque with a mihrab and minbar.
History
Afghanistan has changed its flag more times than any other country in the 20th century. The tricolor design was first introduced by King Amanullah Khan in 1928, inspired by his visit to Europe.
Construction
A vertical tricolor of black, red, and green with the national emblem in white overlapping the bands.
Color Meanings
black: The dark, difficult past of the nation
red: The blood shed for independence and courage
green: Hope, prosperity, and the Islamic faith
Country Facts
- Population
- 43.3M
0.9% of Asia
- Capital
- Kabul
- Languages
- Dari, Pashto, Turkmen
- Continent
- Asia
- Subregion
- South Asia
- Landlocked
- Yes
- Borders
- ISO 3166-1
- AF
Flag Identification
- Proportions
2:3 (≈1.500)
- Total Colors
- 4
- Key Symbols
- Emblem, Text
Influences
Flag of the German Empire (colors observed by King Amanullah)
Related flags
Flag Protocol
- The national emblem must be centered in the red band
- Vertical stripes must be of equal width
Practice
Think you know the flags of Asia? Test your recognition in a quick practice round.