The flag of Mauritania is a simple yet striking design that features two equal horizontal bands of green and gold, with a red stripe at the top and bottom edges. The green band represents Islam, which is the dominant religion in Mauritania, while the gold band symbolizes the Sahara desert, which covers much of the country. The red stripes represent the blood shed during the struggle for independence from France, which was achieved in 1960.
The flag was adopted on April 1, 1959, just a year before Mauritania gained its independence. It was designed by a group of students and intellectuals who were part of the nationalist movement that fought for independence. The green and gold colors were chosen to represent the Pan-African movement, which sought to unite all African nations under a common identity. The red stripes were added later to symbolize the sacrifices made by the people of Mauritania in their struggle for freedom.
The flag has undergone some changes over the years, most notably in 2017 when a new version was introduced that featured a darker shade of green and a slightly different design for the red stripes. This change was made to better reflect the country’s cultural heritage and to make the flag more visually appealing.
Overall, the flag of Mauritania is a powerful symbol of the country’s history, culture, and identity. It represents the struggle for independence, the dominant religion, and the vast desert landscape that covers much of the country. It is a source of pride for the people of Mauritania and a reminder of their rich and diverse heritage.