The flag of Mauritania is a horizontal tricolour featuring the colours red, green (three times width) and red. At the centre of the flag's green section sits a yellow crescent moon and star. The flag's dominant colour of green, as well as its crescent moon and star symbols, are representative of Islam. The flag's red sections symbolise the efforts of the people of Mauritania to defend their territory.
The flag of Mauritania was officially adopted on 15 August 2017 following a referendum to modify the country's original flag which did not include the red sections. The original flag of Mauritania was officially adopted on 1 April 1959 shortly prior to the country gaining its independence from France.
The flag's ratio is 2:3.