Bahrain’s national flag is red with a white vertical band at the hoist separated from the red field by a serrated line of five white points.

What does the Bahrain flag look like?

The hoist side is white and the larger fly side red. Five triangular white points project into the red field, creating the flag’s distinctive zigzag boundary.

Why five points?

The five points are officially associated with the Five Pillars of Islam. The number was standardised in 2002; earlier Bahraini flags sometimes used more serrations.

History of the flag

Red flags have long been used around the Persian Gulf. Bahrain added a white stripe in the nineteenth century as part of maritime agreements distinguishing peaceful states from pirate flags. The serrated boundary developed later and became a defining national feature.

Bahrain flag facts

• Colors: red and white
• Serrated points: five
• Modern five-point form: 2002
• Symbolism: Five Pillars of Islam