The Moroccan flag has a red background with a green five-pointed star at its center. Its familiar design dates to 17 November 1915, when Sultan Moulay Youssef issued a decree adding the green emblem to the flag.
Understanding Morocco flag history provides an introduction to the country’s monarchy, religious heritage, and national identity. The design combines an established red banner with a distinctive central symbol that remains recognizable today.
This guide explains what the flag looks like, how it developed, and how its colors and star are commonly interpreted.
Moroccan Flag: Quick Facts
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Background | Red |
| Central emblem | A green five-pointed star |
| Star shape | An open pentagram |
| Orientation | One point faces upward |
| Proportions | 2:3, height to length |
| Adoption of the familiar design | 17 November 1915 |
| Decree issued under | Sultan Moulay Youssef |
The proportions and construction details are set out in the 2005 decree concerning the kingdom’s emblem and national anthem.
What Does the Moroccan Flag Look Like?
The national flag is a red rectangle bearing a green star in the middle. The star is drawn with continuous lines that form an open pentagram, allowing the background to remain visible between its branches.
A black outline is not part of the standard national design.
Article 4 of Morocco’s 2011 Constitution identifies the kingdom’s emblem as a red flag with a green five-pointed star at its center.
This simple arrangement distinguishes the Moroccan flag from other national flags that also use a red background and a central star.
What Do the Moroccan Flag’s Colors Mean?
The Red Background
Red has a longstanding association with Morocco’s monarchy, particularly the Alaouite dynasty. Plain red banners preceded the addition of the green star.
Popular explanations also connect red with courage, strength, and sacrifice. These interpretations should be understood as symbolism rather than a separate description of the flag’s physical design.
The Green Star
Green is widely associated with Islam. The star’s five points are also commonly connected with the five pillars of the Islamic faith.
Lists of virtues sometimes attached to the flag’s colors or points vary between sources. They should not be presented as though each appears in the decree establishing the design.
Why Is the Star Called the Seal of Solomon?
The expression Seal of Solomon comes directly from the 1915 decree, which describes the emblem to be placed at the flag’s center.
In this document, the term refers specifically to a green, five-pointed symbol. That description is important because the same historical expression has been applied to different geometric forms in other settings.
On Morocco’s national flag, the emblem has five points.
Morocco Flag History Before 1915
The present flag developed from an earlier tradition of red banners associated with the Moroccan monarchy.
Under the Alaouite dynasty, a plain red field became an important predecessor of the modern design. Adding the green star preserved that recognizable background while giving the flag a more distinctive appearance.
Morocco’s wider history includes other banners and standards used in different periods and contexts. These should be distinguished from the national flag familiar today.
The Adoption of the Green Star in 1915
On 17 November 1915, Sultan Moulay Youssef issued the decree specifying a green, five-pointed Seal of Solomon at the center of the flag.
The document explains that the change would help distinguish the Moroccan emblem from other flags, including those used as maritime signals.
This gives the adoption a documented practical purpose alongside the symbolism later associated with the design.
The date refers to the introduction of the familiar central emblem. Morocco’s history and earlier flag traditions extend much further back.
The Flag and Independence in 1956
Morocco regained independence in 1956, following the protectorate period. The United States Office of the Historian records the restoration of normal diplomatic relations after recognition of Moroccan independence that year.
The red-and-green flag continued as the national emblem after independence.
Its history therefore connects two periods: the adoption of the recognizable design in 1915 and its continuing role in independent Morocco.
A Short Timeline of the Moroccan Flag
| Period or date | Significance |
|---|---|
| Before 1915 | Red banners associated with the monarchy preceded the current design |
| 17 November 1915 | A decree specified the green five-pointed emblem |
| 1956 | The flag continued as the emblem of independent Morocco |
| 23 November 2005 | A decree detailed its physical characteristics |
| 2011 | Article 4 of the Constitution restated the national flag’s basic design |
Flag Proportions and Design Details
The standard flag has a 2:3 height-to-length ratio. For example, a flag measuring two units high would measure three units long.
The 2005 decree describes a bright red background and a palm-green star, with one point directed upward.
For an accurate illustration, consult the Moroccan government’s official emblems page. Photographs and souvenir designs can vary in color because of lighting, materials, and printing.
The Flag and Morocco’s Other National Emblems
The national flag is distinct from the coat of arms and national anthem. Morocco’s official portal presents these as separate emblems of the kingdom.
Learning about the flag can be a useful starting point for exploring the country’s wider heritage.
Our guide to the best medinas in Morocco introduces historic cities, while our Morocco landscape guide explores the country’s natural regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Was the Moroccan Flag Adopted?
The familiar design with its green five-pointed star dates to 17 November 1915.
Who Introduced the Green Star?
Sultan Moulay Youssef issued the decree specifying the emblem.
Does the Moroccan Flag Have a Black Border Around the Star?
The standard national design consists of a green star on a red background. A black outline is not one of its standard elements.
What Is the Star Called?
The 1915 decree calls it the five-pointed Seal of Solomon.
Did Morocco Introduce a New Flag at Independence?
The red-and-green design continued after independence in 1956.
Explore Morocco’s History and Culture
Discover the historic cities, architecture, and traditions behind Morocco’s national identity. Our tours from Casablanca offer starting points for planning a private journey.
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