Flag of Libya
Flag ratio: 1:2The flag of Libya (adopted on November 11, 1977) consists of a simple green field with no other characteristics. It is the only national flag in the world with just one color and no design, insignia, or other details.
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History of the Libyan flag
1951–1969
The first national flag of modern Libya was adopted when Libya gained independence from Italy in 1951. It consisted of a white crescent-and-star on a triband red-black-green design, with the central black band being twice the width of the outer bands. Today, the former flag is still used by the monarchists and the Libyan opposition abroad.<div style="clear:both" />
1969–1972
Following the 1969 coup, the official name of Libya was changed to Al-Jumhuriya al-Arabiya al-Libiya (the Libyan Arab Republic), and the flag was replaced by a Pan-Arabic red-white-black triband (similar to the flag of the Arab Revolt).<div style="clear:both" />
1972–1977
In 1972 when Libya joined joined the Federation of Arab Republics (Ittihad al-Jumhuriyat al-Arabiya), the flag of the Federation of Arab Republics was adopted (briefly linking Libya to Egypt and Syria).
On March 8, 1977 Libya's official name was changed to: Al-Jamahiriya al-Arabiya al-Libiya ash-Shabiya al-Ishtrakiya (the Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya), and on November 11, 1977 the flag was changed to the current all-green design in reaction to Sadat's visit to Israel.<div style="clear:both" />
Symbolism
Green is the traditional color of Islam, the state religion. It is also symbolic of Gaddafi's "Green Revolution".
In fiction
A variation of the monarchist flag appears in the videogame Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2, where the country is one of the playable Soviet allies. Instead of the crescent and star, the flag displays a white hammer and sickle.
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Categories
National flags | Libyan culture