Bahrain Flag Meaning: Five White Points, Red Field & 2002 Design
Bahrain’s national flag has a red field and a white hoist band separated by five triangular points. The five-point design was established by the kingdom’s 2002 flag law.
Why are there five points?
Bahrain’s government flag guidance and 2002 design tradition associate the five serrated points with the Five Pillars of Islam.
What does the flag look like?
The flag is predominantly red, with a white vertical band at the hoist. Five white triangular points extend into the red field along the boundary between the two colors.
What is the official ratio?
The current flag uses a 3:5 ratio.
What changed in 2002?
Decree-Law No. 4 of 2002 standardized the current design and reduced the serrated division to five points.
How is Bahrain’s flag different from Qatar’s?
Bahrain uses a brighter red field, five white points and a 3:5 proportion. Qatar uses a darker maroon field, nine points and a much more elongated shape.
Why are the two flags similar?
Both belong to a Gulf tradition of red-and-white flags, but their modern national specifications developed separately.
How can you identify Bahrain’s flag?
Count the serrations. Five white points against a red field indicate Bahrain; nine points against maroon indicate Qatar.
Quick facts
| Colors | Red and white |
|---|---|
| White points | 5 |
| Ratio | 3:5 |
| Current legal design | 2002 |
