Official Palette
Symbolism
Red represents universal brotherhood and equality, while white represents purity and virtue. The crescent moon represents a young nation on the ascendant. The five stars stand for the ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice, and equality.
History
Adopted on December 3, 1959, when Singapore became self-governing within the British Empire, and retained upon full independence in 1965. Designed by a committee headed by Dr. Toh Chin Chye.
Construction
A 2:3 ratio. A horizontal bicolour of red and white with a white crescent moon and five five-pointed stars arranged in a circle in the red canton.
Color Meanings
Country Facts
- Population
- 6.1M
0.1% of Asia
- Capital
- Singapore
- Languages
- English, Chinese, Malay, Tamil
- Continent
- Asia
- Subregion
- Southeast Asia
- Landlocked
- Island state
- ISO 3166-1
- SG
Flag Identification
- Adopted
- December 3, 1959
- Designer
- Toh Chin Chye
- Proportions
2:3 (≈1.500)
- Total Colors
- 2
- Primary Layout
- Horizontal bands
- Key Symbols
- Crescent, Stars
Influences
Lookalike Comparison
Side-by-side analysis of high-confusion flags, comparing exact color shades, proportions, and historical divergence.
Direct Lookalike Comparison
Quick Tell
Singapore adds a crescent and five stars; Indonesia is plain red over white.
Historical Divergence
Singapore's charge dates to December 3, 1959. Indonesia's civil flag has an empty red band.
Flags with resemblance
Both are red over white at 2:3. Singapore adds a crescent and five stars; Indonesia is plain.
Related flags
Flag Protocol
- The crescent and five stars must be in the red canton
- Must be treated with reverence as a symbol of the young nation
Practice
Think you know the flags of Asia? Test your recognition in a quick practice round.