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
Flag Identification
- Adopted
- December 24, 1951
- Proportions
1:2
- 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
Think you know the flags of Africa? Test your recognition in a quick practice round.