History of the Maldives Flag: Crescent, Dhandimathi & the 1965 Independence Design
The Maldives flag evolved from older red banners into the modern red-green-white design, with the black-and-white hoist strip removed in the independence era.
Early red flags
For centuries, Maldivian rulers used red flags in different forms. Red remained the dominant national color as the design evolved.
The dhandimathi
A black-and-white striped hoist known as the dhandimathi was later added to the red flag.
The crescent and green panel
During the first half of the twentieth century, a white crescent and green rectangle became part of the state flag design.
1953 republic
When the Maldives briefly became a republic in 1953, the crescent orientation changed, and the modern crescent-facing direction became established.
1965 independence
The Maldives gained full independence from Britain on July 26, 1965. In the same independence period, the black-and-white dhandimathi was removed, leaving the modern red field, green rectangle and white crescent.
Why the exact adoption date can be confusing
Historical flag references do not all agree on the precise day the modern form was formally adopted. The strongest point of agreement is that the present design dates from 1965.
Modern constitutional definition
The 2008 Constitution now precisely defines the flag’s geometry, colors and crescent placement.
What stayed constant?
Red remained the dominant outer color, while the crescent and green panel became the enduring symbols of the modern state.
