Flag of Algeriaالجمهورية الجزائرية الديمقراطية الشعبية

What the flag looks like

The Algerian flag consists of two equal vertical bands of green (hoist) and white (fly), with a red crescent moon and a red five-pointed star centered on the flag. The star sits inside the opening of the crescent. The proportion is 2:3. It was adopted on 3 July 1962, the day Algeria declared independence from France, and was retained from the flag used by the National Liberation Front (FLN) during the Algerian War.

Colors and meaning

Green represents Islam and hope for the future, white represents purity and peace, and red represents the blood shed by Algerian patriots during the war of independence (1954–1962) and the socialist ideals of the Algerian revolution. The crescent and star are traditional symbols of Islam.

Green

Represents Islam, the dominant religion of Algeria, and hope for the future. Green is a traditional color of Islamic banners and appears on many Muslim national flags.

White

Represents purity, peace and the desire of the Algerian people for a peaceful future.

Red

Represents the blood shed by Algerian patriots during the brutal war of independence from France, which lasted from 1954 to 1962 and cost hundreds of thousands of lives.

Crescent and star

Traditional symbols of Islam, used on Algerian flags since the 19th century. The crescent represents the new moon and Islamic faith, and the star represents light and guidance.

Historical origin

The green-and-white design with a red crescent and star was used by Emir Abdelkader in the 1830s during his resistance against French colonization, and was later adopted by the FLN during the independence war.

History and adoption

Algeria was colonized by France in 1830 and remained under French rule for over 130 years. During the 19th century, Emir Abdelkader used a green-and-white flag with a red crescent and star during his resistance against the French. The design was revived by the National Liberation Front (FLN) during the Algerian War of Independence (1954–1962). On 3 July 1962, Algeria declared independence from France, and the FLN flag was adopted as the national flag on the same day. The design was formalized on 25 April 1963 and has remained unchanged since.

Key facts

Adopted

3 July 1962

Proportion

2:3

Designer

Based on Emir Abdelkader's 19th-century flag

Capital

Algiers

Country code

DZ

Similar flags

Tunisia, Turkey, Pakistan

Historical and related flags

Algeria has used several flags across its Ottoman, French colonial and independence periods.

• Regency of Algiers (1515–1830): Various Ottoman and local flags, including red banners with crescents.
• Emir Abdelkader's resistance (1832–1847): Green and white flag with a red crescent and star.
• French Algeria (1830–1954): French flag used during colonial rule.
• FLN flag (1954–1962): Green and white flag with a red crescent and star, used by independence fighters.
• Current flag (1962–present): FLN flag adopted at independence.
• Naval ensign: Adds an anchor and red border for Algerian Navy vessels.

Frequently asked questions

What does the flag of Algeria look like?

The flag of Algeria has two equal vertical bands of green (hoist) and white (fly), with a red crescent and a red five-pointed star in the center. The proportion is 2:3.

When was the flag of Algeria adopted?

The current flag of Algeria was officially adopted on 3 July 1962.

What do the colors mean?

Green represents Islam and hope for the future, white represents purity and peace, and red represents the blood shed by Algerian patriots during the war of independence (1954–1962) and the socialist ideals of the Algerian revolution. The crescent and star are traditional symbols of Islam.

Which flags look similar to the Algeria flag?

Tunisia uses a red field with a white circle containing a red crescent and star. Turkey uses a red field with a white crescent and star. Pakistan uses a green field with a white crescent and star. Algeria's green-and-white split with a red crescent is unique.