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Flag of Iraq

Asia
46.1M
2008
Flag of Iraq
IQ | 2:3

Official Palette

Symbolism

The colors are the traditional Pan-Arab colors. The green script in the center is the Takbir ('Allahu Akbar', meaning 'God is greatest').

History

The basic tricolor dates back to 1963. The three stars were removed in 2008 to distance the flag from Saddam Hussein's Ba'ath Party. The script was originally in Hussein's handwriting but was changed to Kufic script in 2004.

Construction

A 2:3 ratio. A horizontal tricolor of red, white, and black with green Kufic script centered in the white band.

Color Meanings

red: Bravery and the blood of enemies
white: Peace, honesty, and a bright future
black: The dark past and historical caliphates
green: The Islamic faith and progress

Country Facts

Population
46.1M

0.9% of Asia

Capital
Baghdad
Languages
Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani
Continent
Asia
Subregion
Middle East
Landlocked
No
ISO 3166-1
IQ

Flag Identification

Adopted
January 22, 2008
Proportions

2:3 (≈1.500)

23
Total Colors
4
Primary Layout
Horizontal bands
Key Symbols
Text

Influences

Pan-Arab colors
Arab Liberation movement

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Flag Protocol

  • The Takbir must be in Kufic script
  • The bands must be horizontal and of equal height

Practice

Think you know the flags of Middle East? Test your recognition in a quick practice round.

Sources

  • Council of Representatives of Iraq
  • FOTW