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Flag of Maldives

Asia

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Quick Facts

Capital
MalΓ©
Flag adopted
1965
Population
515,132
Area
300 kmΒ²
Languages
Maldivian
Currency
Maldivian rufiyaa (.ήƒ) β€” MVR
Demonym
Maldivan
Government
presidential republic
Subregion
Southern Asia
Driving side
Left
Timezones
UTC+05:00
Independence
1965

About This Flag

The flag of the Maldives features a red field with a large green rectangle at its center, containing a white crescent moon facing the fly side. The red border was historically associated with the courage of Maldivian heroes and the nation's sovereignty.

The green rectangle symbolizes peace, prosperity, and the palm trees that dot the islands. The white crescent represents Islam, which has been the state religion since the 12th century.

The crescent faces toward the fly side (away from the flagpole) so that when the flag is hoisted, the crescent appears correctly oriented. The current design was adopted on July 25, 1965, upon full independence from Britain.

What the colors & design mean

Red symbolizes the boldness and bravery of the nation's heroes. Green represents peace, prosperity, and the lush tropical vegetation of the islands. The white crescent signifies Islam, the faith that unifies the Maldivian people.

red green white

Pattern: Solid Field

Fun Facts

  • The Maldives is the world's lowest-lying country, with an average elevation of just 1.5 meters above sea level, making it one of the nations most vulnerable to rising sea levels.
  • The country consists of 1,192 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls, but only about 200 are inhabited, and another 160 or so serve as tourist resorts.
  • Islam was brought to the Maldives in 1153 AD, converting the previously Buddhist kingdom, and the country remains one of the few nations where 100% of citizens are Muslim by law.
  • The Maldivian flag's design has evolved significantly β€” 19th-century versions featured a black-and-white striped hoist with various symbols before the current simplified design was established.

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