Kuwait Flag

Green represents fertile land and the future of Kuwait, white symbolizes purity and noble deeds, red stands for the bloodshed defending the nation, and the black trapezoid signifies defeat of enemies and steadfastness. These colors collectively echo the Pan-Arab palette, derived from a 14th‑century poem: ‘White are our deeds, black our battles, green our fields, red our swords.’

Before independence, Kuwait’s flags evolved from plain red, to versions bearing Arabic inscriptions and religious declarations during the early 20th century. In 1961, following independence from Britain, the current Pan‑Arab design was adopted on 7 September, officially hoisted on 24 November. The intricate trapezoid shape and four-color arrangement mark a break from colonial symbolism.

The flag displays a 1:2 rectangular format. From hoist to fly: a black acute trapezoid, then horizontal bands of green (top), white (middle), red (bottom). Precise Pantone or Pantone‑equivalent shades are defined in visual identity guidelines. The trapezoid shape is unique in national flags; official design rules specify horizontal vs. vertical orientation.

Kuwaiti protocol mandates that the green stripe is uppermost when flown horizontally, and the black trapezoid on the left edge if displayed vertically. The flag is used at national holidays such as Independence Day (25 February) and Liberation Day (26 February), flown at sunrise and lowered at sunset, and lowered to half‑mast during mourning. Desecration is prohibited by law and punishable; damaged flags are respectfully retired under legal and social norms.