Flag of Afghanistan - Definition and Overview

Flag Ratio: 1:2

The Flag of Afghanistan was adopted by the transitional government in 2002. This flag is similar to the one flown in Afghanistan during the monarchy between 1930 and 1973. The difference is the addition of the shahadah at the top of the coat-of-arms in the center.

This flag consists of three stripes of the colors black, red and green. This has been present on most flags of Afghanistan in the last twenty years. The center emblem is the classical Emblem of Afghanistan with a mosque with its mihrab facing Mecca.

The pre-Taliban-era and Northern Alliance flag featured the same emblem, but with green, white and black horizontal stripes instead.

Flag Ratio: 1:2

Afghanistan has used other flags in the past. Some examples:

• Before the 20th century, Afghanistan had an all-black flag.
• From October 1978 to April 1980, during the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan era, Afghanistan used the red flag to the right.
• The Taliban flew the white flag to the right. It bears the shahadah in black script.