Afrique · Flag ID ·

Mauritania Flag: Meaning and History

Embroidered flag patch — Mauritania

History of the flag

Formerly a French colony within French West Africa (1920), Mauritania became an Overseas Territory in 1946, and gained independence on November 28, 1958.

The current version of the flag dates from 2017.

What do the elements of the flag mean?

  • The crescent moon and star represent Islam, the country's main religion.

  • For the Sahara desert covering most of the country and its subsoil resources.

  • Color of Islam, agriculture and fertility.

  • Embodies the courage and blood shed for independence.

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