The CIA World Factbook Every edition, 1990 to 2025 Asia

Flag Afghanistan, in 36 editions.

The entry for Afghanistan published Flag in 36 editions of 36, from 1990 to 2025. The text changed in 19 editions. Each is shown as published. Flag in every entry.

editions changed the text
19
the first edition with it
1990
the latest edition with it
2025

Published as “Flag” (1990 to 2025) and “Flag description” (1997 to 2024).

field in that editiontext changed from the edition beforenot in that editionthe edition shownChoose an edition on the strip beside the text, or step through them with the arrows. Mark changes compares it with the edition before: the marks are ours, words added and words removed.

2025 edition

Changed since 2024

Open the 2025 entry

description:
  • three equal vertical bands of black (left), red, and green, with the national emblem in white centered on the red band and slightly overlapping the other bands;
  • the emblem shows a mosque with a pulpit and flags on either side;
  • below the mosque are Eastern Arabic numerals for the solar year 1298 (1919 in the Gregorian calendar, the year of Afghan independence from the UK);
  • a border of wheat sheaves circles the mosque;
  • above the mosque is an Arabic inscription of the Shahada (Muslim creed), with rays of the rising sun over the Takbir (Arabic expression meaning "God is great");
  • under the mosque is a scroll with the name Afghanistan
meaning:
black stands for the past, and red for the blood shed for independence; green can represent hope for the future, agricultural prosperity, or Islam
history:
  • Afghanistan had more changes to its national flag in the 20th century -- 19 by one count -- than any other country;
  • the colors black, red, and green appeared on most of them

note: the United States has not recognized the Taliban or any other entity as the government of Afghanistan and, accordingly, continues to display the flag of Afghanistan as set forth in the country's constitution of 2004

description: three equal vertical bands of black (hoist side), (left), red, and green, with the national emblem in white centered on the red band and slightly overlapping the other 2 bands; the center of the emblem features shows a mosque with a pulpit and flags on either side, side; below the mosque are Eastern Arabic numerals for the solar year 1298 (1919 in the Gregorian calendar, the year of Afghan independence from the UK); this central image is circled by a border consisting of sheaves of wheat on sheaves circles the left and right, in mosque; above the upper-center mosque is an Arabic inscription of the Shahada (Muslim creed) below which are creed), with rays of the rising sun over the Takbir (Arabic expression meaning "God is great"), and at bottom center great"); under the mosque is a scroll bearing with the name Afghanistan; Afghanistan
meaning:
black signifies stands for the past, and red is for the blood shed for independence, and independence; green can represent either hope for the future, agricultural prosperity, or Islam
note 1: history: Afghanistan had more changes to its national flag in the 20th century -- 19 by one count -- than any other country; the colors black, red, and green appeared on most of them
note: the
United States has not recognized the Taliban or any other entity as the government of Afghanistan and, accordingly, continues to display the flag of Afghanistan as set forth in the country's constitution of 2004
note 2: Afghanistan had more changes to its national flag in the 20th century - 19 by one count - than any other country; the colors black, red, and green appeared on most of them

Cite this page

Central Intelligence Agency. “Afghanistan: Flag.” The World Factbook, 1990–2025 editions. Archived by The Factbook, thefactbook.org/afghanistan/flag.

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