Adopted in 1973
| Capital | Riyadh |
|---|---|
| Population | 35 300 280 inh. |
| Area | 2 149 690 km² |
| Population density | 16.4 inh./km² |
| Local time | --:-- |
| Language(s) | Arabic |
| Political system | Unitary Islamic absolute monarchy |
| National motto | There is no god but God; Muhammad is the messenger of God |
| National anthem | The Royal Salute |
| Currency | Saudi riyal (SAR) |
| Land borders | Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Yemen |
| Maritime borders | Red Sea, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Aqaba |
The flag: history and symbolism
Flag History
The Saudi flag has its origins in the green banners of the House of Saud, allied since the 18th century with the religious movement founded by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab. The Muslim profession of faith (shahada) was inscribed on it from the early 20th century.
On 11 March 1937, King Abdulaziz ibn Saud, who founded the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932, approved a design close to the current flag.
The flag was standardised in 1973 under King Faisal. The Basic Law of 1992 describes it in Article 3: green, bearing in white the profession of faith and a sword.
Meaning of Colours & Emblems
Each element of the Saudi flag has a religious or political significance:
- Green: the colour traditionally associated with Islam.
- Shahada: the Muslim profession of faith, ‘There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God’, written in Thuluth calligraphy.
- Sword: justice and strength, as well as the House of Saud, which unified the kingdom.
Anecdotes & Fun Facts
Because of the profession of faith it bears, the Saudi flag is never flown at half-mast, even during national mourning.
The flag is made of two layers, so that the profession of faith reads correctly, from right to left, on both sides.
Since 2023, 11 March has been Flag Day in Saudi Arabia, in memory of King Abdulaziz's approval of the flag in 1937.
Flags of Neighbouring Countries
Sport and history
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Saudi Arabia?
Riyadh is the capital of Saudi Arabia.
What do the colours of the flag of Saudi Arabia mean?
Each element of the Saudi flag has a religious or political significance: Green: the colour traditionally associated with Islam. Shahada: the Muslim profession of faith, ‘There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God’, written in Thuluth calligraphy. Sword: justice and strength, as well as the House of Saud, which unified the kingdom.