Tunisia
Trivia
The national flag is similar to the flag of the Ottoman Empire.
Technical Specifications
| Adopted | 1999 |
|---|---|
| Proportion | 2:3 |
| Design | A plain red field with a white circle at the centre featuring a red crescent and five-pointed star. |
Brief History
The earliest flag flown in the area was the ensign of Ottoman Tunisia that was adopted during the 18th Century that was a naval ensign that featured two blue, two red and a green stripe.
In 1705 the rulers of the area of the Bay of Tunis had their own flag, which featured multiple horizontal yellow-red-green stripes with snake-tonged sword at the centre.
The Naval Ensign of Ottoman Tunisia (18TH Century – Early 19th Century)
The Flag of the Bay of Tunis 1705 – 1881
In 1931 a version of the flag that is known today as the traditional Tunisian flag was adopted.
It was similar to the flag of the Ottoman empire and featured a plain red field with a white circle at the centre with a red Islamic crescent moon and five-pointed star.
In 1881 the Tunisia became a French protectorate and the flag remained the same. However in some French military bases the flag was flown with the French blue-white-red vertical tricolour in the top left.
In 1999 the crescent moon at the centre of the flag was changed slightly to have the tips surround the five-pointed red star more.
The red symbolises the blood shed to protect Tunisia during the conflict between Tunisia and Turkey in 1574. The crescent and star represents the unity of all Muslims.
The Coat of Arms of Tunisia
The Current Coat of Arms of Tunisia was adopted in 1987 and features a shield split into three.
The Top portion shows a boat that represents the Punic galley, a symbol of freedom. The Lower left hand portions are weighing scales that symbolise justice and the lower right portion is a lion holding a sword, representing justice. Above the shield is the Islamic crescent moon and five-pointed red star.
Historical Coat of Arms of Tunisia
Here are examples of the previous coats of arms of Tunisia. All of them feature the Punic galley, scales and lion from the modern flag.
The Presidential Standard of Tunisia
The Presidential Standard of Tunisia is the variant flag of Tunisia and is the national flag with Tunisian writing above the white circle in the centre.
Emblems of the Tunisian Military
Here are some examples of the emblems of the Tunisian Military. All feature the crescent moon and five-pointed star.
