Official Palette
Symbolism
The colors are the Pan-Arab colors. The two green stars represent the former union between Syria and Egypt (the United Arab Republic) from 1958 to 1961.
History
Adopted in 1958 and re-adopted in 1980. The flag has remained a point of contention during the Syrian Civil War, with the opposition using the 1932 'Independence Flag' (green-white-black tricolor with three red stars).
Construction
A 2:3 ratio. A horizontal tricolor of red, white, and black with two green five-pointed stars centered in the white band.
Color Meanings
Country Facts
Flag Identification
- Adopted
- March 30, 1980
- Proportions
2:3 (≈1.500)
- Total Colors
- 4
- Primary Layout
- Horizontal bands
- Key Symbols
- 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
Syria's flag in force has three red stars on green-white-black. Yemen has no stars on red-white-black.
Historical Divergence
The independence flag was raised in practice on December 8, 2024. Catalog art may still show the retired 1980 flag.
Flags with resemblance
Yemen is plain red-white-black. Syria's current flag is green-white-black with three red stars. The old two-green-star flag is retired.
Related flags
Flag Protocol
- The two green stars must be centered in the white band
- Horizontal stripes must be of equal height
Practice
Think you know the flags of Middle East? Test your recognition in a quick practice round.