Bahrain Flag: Meaning, Colors, History & Facts
Bahrain’s national flag has a red field with a white hoist band separated by five white triangular points. The current five-point design was standardized in 2002.
What does the Bahrain flag look like?
The flag is predominantly red, with a vertical white section beside the flagpole. The boundary between white and red forms five triangular serrations.
Why are there five points?
The five points are associated with the Five Pillars of Islam.
Explore the five-point design →
What is the official ratio?
Bahrain’s current national flag uses a 3:5 ratio.
How is Bahrain’s flag different from Qatar’s?
Bahrain uses bright red, five white points and a 3:5 shape. Qatar uses a darker maroon field, nine white points and a much longer, narrower proportion.
Why do Bahrain and Qatar look similar?
Both developed from long-standing Gulf red-and-white flag traditions. Their modern designs are nevertheless legally and visually distinct.
How did Bahrain’s flag develop?
Red was historically common among Gulf flags. White became part of Bahrain’s flag tradition in the nineteenth century, while a serrated boundary later helped distinguish the flag from neighboring designs.
What changed in 2002?
Decree-Law No. 4 of 2002 standardized the current flag and reduced the serrated division to five points.
Read the Bahrain flag history →
How can you identify Bahrain’s flag?
Count the points. Five points and a red field indicate Bahrain; nine points and maroon indicate Qatar.
Bahrain flag facts
| Colors | Red and white |
|---|---|
| Serrated points | 5 |
| Ratio | 3:5 |
| Current design | 2002 |
Bahrain flag FAQ
What do the five points represent?
The Five Pillars of Islam.
Is Bahrain’s flag maroon?
No. Bahrain uses red; Qatar uses the darker maroon field.
