Afghanistan has one of the most politically sensitive flag situations in the world. Since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, the de facto authorities have used a white flag bearing the Islamic declaration of faith, the shahada, in black. The black-red-green tricolour of the former Islamic Republic remains widely recognised by Afghans abroad and by opponents of Taliban rule.

What flag is used in Afghanistan today?

The Taliban-led Islamic Emirate uses a plain white field with the shahada written in black Arabic calligraphy. Variants may also include the name “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan” beneath the declaration.

What happened to the black-red-green flag?

The former republic used vertical black, red and green stripes with the national emblem in white at the centre. After the government’s collapse in 2021, that tricolour continued to appear in international, diaspora and resistance contexts. Because most countries still do not formally recognise the Taliban government, both flags can appear in diplomatic and political settings.

Afghanistan flag facts

• De facto flag since: August 2021
• Current de facto design: white field with black shahada
• Former republic flag: black-red-green vertical tricolour
• Status: politically contested internationally

Current context

As of 2026, the Taliban remain the de facto authorities in Afghanistan, while international recognition of their government remains limited. This makes it important to distinguish between the flag in use inside government institutions and the former republic’s tricolour.