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Flag of Libya

Africa
7.5M
1951
Flag of Libya
LY | 1:2

Official Palette

Symbolism

Red represents the blood shed for freedom, black represents the dark days under foreign rule, and green represents the wealth of agriculture and Islam. The crescent and star are traditional symbols of Islam.

History

Adopted in 1951, then replaced by a solid green flag under Muammar Gaddafi in 1977. The 1951 flag was restored in 2011 after the Libyan revolution.

Construction

A 1:2 ratio. A horizontal tricolor of red, black (double width), and green with a white crescent and star centered.

Color Meanings

red: The blood of those who died for freedom
black: The dark past of foreign oppression and the Sanusi dynasty
green: Islam, prosperity, and the fertile lands

Country Facts

Population
7.5M

0.5% of Africa

Capital
Tripoli
Languages
Arabic
Continent
Africa
Subregion
North Africa
Landlocked
No
Borders
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ISO 3166-1
LY

Flag Identification

Adopted
December 24, 1951
Proportions

1:2

12
Total Colors
4
Primary Layout
Horizontal bands
Key Symbols
Crescent, Emblem, Stars

Influences

Flag of the Kingdom of Libya (1951)

Related flags

Flag Protocol

  • The crescent and star must be white and centered in the black band
  • The black band must be twice the width of the red and green bands

Practice

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