Country profile: Qatar

The flag of Qatar has its origins in the red flags of the emirates of the Persian Gulf. In the 19th century, a white band was added to signal peaceful ships, in accordance with the treaties concluded with the United Kingdom.

The red gradually became a dark maroon; according to a widespread explanation, the natural dyes of the time darkened in the sun. The current flag was adopted in 1971, the year Qatar became independent.

It consists of a maroon field and a white band at the hoist, separated by a serrated line with nine points.

The elements of the Qatari flag have a well-established meaning:

• Maroon: the blood shed in the wars the country has known.
• White: peace.
• Nine points: according to the most widespread explanation, Qatar was the ninth of the ‘reconciled emirates’ of the Gulf to sign a treaty with the United Kingdom, in 1916.

The flag of Qatar is the most elongated of all national flags: its length is more than two and a half times its height (proportions of 11:28).

The Qatari flag is very close to that of Bahrain, which is bright red and has only five points.

18 December, the national day, commemorates the accession of Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, founder of modern Qatar, in 1878.