Flag of Maldives

What the flag means

The official description, published by the Permanent Mission of the Maldives to the United Nations, gives red as the blood of national heroes who died for independence and sovereignty, green as life, progress and prosperity, and the white crescent as the Islamic faith.

History

The earliest flag was plain red. A band of black and white stripes, the dhandimathi, was later added at the hoist. In the early 20th century Prime Minister Abdul Majeed Didi added the green panel and white crescent. The striped band was removed in 1965, the year the Maldives became independent from Britain, giving the current design. Schedule 3 of the constitution defines the flag.

Earlier flags of Maldives

1. 1953–1965Current design with a black and white striped band at the hoist