Symbolism of the Algerian Flag: Green, White, Red, and the Crescent & Star

The national flag of Algeria—adopted July 3, 1962, upon independence—is a vertical bicolor of green (hoist side) and white, charged with a red crescent and five-pointed star centered over the divide. Each element carries deep meaning:

• Green – Represents Islam, the state religion and foundation of national identity.
• White – Symbolizes peace, purity, and the bright future of the nation.
• Red – Stands for the blood shed by martyrs during the War of Independence (1954–1962) against French colonial rule.
• Crescent & Star – Traditional symbols of Islam; here they also signify the new dawn of sovereignty and the beginning of the Islamic calendar (Hijri) from the Hijra (622 CE).

The flag's design was used by the National Liberation Front (FLN) during the revolution and formally adopted at independence. It flies as a testament to sacrifice, faith, and hard-won freedom.