Oman Flag

The flag of Oman has three equal sized horizontal stripes with a red vertical stripe on the left side of the flag. The top horizontal stripe is white. The middle stripe is red, and the bottom stripe is green. Situated in the top of the vertical stripe is the symbol on the flag of Oman which has two crossed swords, a dagger called a Khanjar and a belt. This is what the symbols on the flag of Oman are.

The red base was used from previous Oman's flag and symbolizes the reigning Al Bu Said dynasty, which has been ruling Oman since the mid eighteenth century and also represents the difficulties Oman overcame in its search for independence. The color white historically symbolizes the imam, the Islamic religious leaders of the country and also represents peace and prosperity. Green is the color of Islam and symbolizes the fertility of the country as well as Al Jabal al Akhdar, which are the Green Mountains in the north-east of the country. This is the meaning of the flag of Oman.

The Oman flag was enacted on November 18, 1995, after changes were made to the Oman flag of 1970. A coup by the son of the ruling Sultan in 1970 resulted in a name change from the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman. At this time, white and green horizontal stripes and the country's emblem were added to Oman's previous entirely red flag.

In ancient times, Oman was an important trading area on the main trading route between the Arabian Gulf and the Indian Ocean. In 1507, the Portuguese took over several ports in Oman, including Muscat. Portugal took charge of maritime trade until they were kicked out by the Ottomans in 1659. The al-said family has been in charge of Oman since taking power in 1741. During the twentieth century, the Sultanate and the religious leaders were in battle over the Ibadhdi sect who thought a more a theocratic society should be put into place. British colonial interference and economic inequality led to rebellions in the 1950s and 1960s. In 1970 Sultan Sa’id bin Taimur was kicked off the throne by his son Qaboos bin Sa’id. In 1981 Oman was a founder member of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Individuals can find a picture of the Oman flag, or more information about the Omani flag from several different websites that are available over the internet.