Flag of Saudi Arabia

Asia

35.3M

1973

SA | 2:3

Official Palette

Symbolism

Green is the traditional color of Islam. The Arabic script is the Shahada, the Islamic declaration of faith ('There is no god but Allah; Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah'). The sword represents strictness in applying justice.

History

The Shahada has been used on flags in the region since the 18th century. The sword was added in 1902 by Ibn Saud. The current standardized form was adopted in 1973.

Construction

A 2:3 ratio. A green field with white Arabic script above a white horizontal sword (pointing to the hoist). The flag is identical on both sides so the text reads correctly from right to left.

Color Meanings

green: The traditional color of Islam and life

white: The Shahada (Declaration of Faith) and justice

Country Facts

Population: 35.3M

0.7% of Asia
Capital: Riyadh
Languages: Arabic
Continent: Asia
Landlocked: No
Borders: Iraq Jordan Kuwait Oman Qatar United Arab Emirates Yemen
ISO 3166-1: SA

Flag Identification

Adopted: March 15, 1973
Designer: Hafiz Wahba
Proportions: 2:3 (≈1.500)
Total Colors: 2
Key Symbols: Emblem, Weapon, Text

Influences

Shahada (Islamic Declaration of Faith)

Related flags

Flag Protocol

The flag is never flown at half-mast, even during mourning
Identical on both sides so the text reads correctly from both directions
The sword must point toward the hoist on both sides

Practice

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