State Flag of the State of Kuwait (1961)

Shortly after gaining independence from Great Britain in June 1961, Kuwait adopted its current national flag.

The flag was replaced after Kuwait was invaded by Iraq in August 1990 and was restored when Kuwait was liberated from Iraqi occupation in February 1991.

The design of the Kuwaiti flag is believed based on the Arab Revolt Flag created in 1916 and used as a symbol of Arab nationalism during liberation struggles against Ottoman (Turkish) rule.

The national flag dates from the 24th of November 1961.

The Symbolic Meaning

Red, white, black and green are referred to as pan-Arab colours and have been historically linked to the Arab people and Islamic faith for centuries. They symbolise Arab unity and independence and can be seen in the flags of many countries in the region.

Green symbolises the fertility of Arab lands, black represents the defeat of enemies, red connotes the blood of the defeated enemy and white symbolises purity.