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Libya

Socialist Libyan Arab Peoples Jamahiriya

Last modified: 2003-08-09 by phil nelson
Keywords: libya | arab | green |
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Libyan flag] by Zeljko Heimer
Proportions: 1:2 [FIS Code]
Flag adopted 1977-NOV-19, coat of arms adopted 1977



See also:


The flag of Libya

Libya's flag was adopted in 1977, after leaving the Federation of Arab Republics. Green is the national color of Libya as well as a symbol of devotion to Islam.


A note to the image in Album des pavillons explains that it could be also in ratio 2:3, and that there are yet unconfirmed reports of what might be naval ensign green with two crossed anchors in the middle.

Regarding the flag usage, Whitney Smith's works designate [FIS Code] - Albums des pavillons shows only [FIS Code] keeping the possibility open for the naval ensign, and having no information for what state owned vessels carry.
Zeljki Heimer, 10 May 2002


Naval Ensign

The naval ensign of Libya is reportedly green with in the center two white crossed anchors. Can anyone confirm, and if so what are the proportions?
Armand Noel du Payrat, 20 March 1998

According to the 1995-96 Jane's Fighting Ships, Libya uses its plain green national flag as a naval ensign. But perhaps there's been a recent change. It's also possible, I suppose, that the flag you describe is in fact the Libyan jack.
Tom Gregg , 21 March 1998


The flag in 1951

[Lybian flag in 1951]
by Vicent Morley

This is the flag adopted by Libya on independence in 1951. The flag continued in use until the overthrow of the monarchy in the military coup of 1969. The stripes represent the three constituent provinces of Cyrenaica (black), Fezzan (red) and Tripolitania (green). The colours are those of the Arab revolt flag.

This GIF is drawn from an illustration in the National Geographic of September 1961, p. 341. The only problematic matter is the size and position of the crescent: other illustrations show it as being smaller and place it closer to the star, with the star partly between the arms of the crescent.
Vicent Morley 27 January 1997


In addition on the information Vincent Morley sent recently to FOTW, here is information on the Libyan 1951 flag from that time and from the country itself:

The source is the booklet The Libyan Flag & The National Anthem issued by the Ministry of Information and Guidance of the Kingdom of Libya. (Publication date unknown).
 

THE NATIONAL FLAG

From the Constitution of Libya issued on 7th October, 1951. Chapter I, Art. 7

The national flag shall have the following dimensions: Its length shall be twice its breadth, it shall be divided into three parallel coloured stripes, the uppermost being red, the centre black and the lowest green, the black stripe shall be equal in area to the two other stripes and shall bear in its centre a white crescent, between the two extremities of which there shall be a five-pointed white star.

"The exact particulars of the Libyan National Flag prescribed by Article 7 of the Constitution shall be as follows: The red shall be sign red, and the green permanent green. The Crescent shall be on the hoistward side of the star, and the centre of the circle of which the crescent forms a part shall be in the centre of the flag. The star shall be in the open end of the crescent and one point of the star shall point to the centre of the circle. The maximum width of the 270 crescent shall equal 1/6th of its outside diameter which is 1/4th of the width of the flag. The distance between the tips of the crescent shall equal that between the uppermost and lowermost point of the star measured along a perpendicular forming the hoistward sides of these two points. The perpendicular shall form a tangent to the outside circumference of the crescent at a point equidistant from the top and bottom of the flag."

The flag is an emblem of the state symbolic of sovereignty and fortitude. It is flown high and free on buildings and offices in main streets and by-roads, on Libyan Embassies abroad, at the U.N. porticos and international conferences or at celebrations in which the State is represented.

Nations tend to create a halo of legends and tales around their flags which in fact reflects the procession of events and developments through which a country has passed. Libya is no different in this respect. Our coloured flag fluttering high in the sky is a source of pride which we associate with many episodes of chivalry and glory. In the words of a well known Arab poet "Our deeds are the colour of white, our battles of black, our meadows of green and our swords of red."

Though books and journals say very little about the background, the story of the Libyan flag and its colours is a vivid one imprinted on our hearts and carefully treasured and passed by father to son from one generation to an other. It is the story of lifelong struggle and reward, the story of innocent lives and pure blood shed in the cause of freedom, liberation, and defence of our country, the story of the painful past, with its dark lonely night and the smiling future with peace and plenty for the whole nation, the story of life itself, evolution and progress, development and change, the bright future, the noble aims and the long march.

The crescent is symbolic of the beginning of the lunar month according to the moslem calendar. It brings back to our minds the story of Hijra (migration) of our prophet Mohammed from his home in order to spread Islam and teach the priciples of right and virtue.

The Star represents our smiling hope, the beauty of aim and object and the light of our belief in God, in our country, its dignity and honour which illuminate our way and puts an end to darkness.

Every particle of soil in our dear country is soaked with the blood of innocent martyrs, every stone relates the story of continued struggle. They all stand as witness to the great sacrifices and the dear price paid for the sake of liberating our country.

The flag of my country is likened to a narrator who will tell our story to the future generations, the story of the past, the present, and the bright days to come.


Jos Poels 27 January 1997

The 1969-1972 flag

] by Ole Andersen, Rick Wyatt, Antonio Martins

On pages 154-155 of Den store flagbog: Alverdens flag gennem tiderne is a table showing the evolution of Arab national flags, 1900-1975. In this, Libya is shown as using the flag of Cyrenaique as its national flag 1947-1951, and as using a plain 1:2 Red-White-Black triband 1969-1972.
Ole Andersen, 22 July 2002


Roundel and Fin Flash

A Green roundel.

The note in Album des pavillons explains that the national flag is painted on the fin.

A quick colsultation with Military Insignia of the World reveals that the roundel was always inspired with the flag:

  • 1959-1969 Red-Black-Green, the black "wider" then other two colors, national flag on fin
  • 1969-1978 Red-White-Black, national flag on fin (stripes only without the central emblem on drawing, text says with Quraysh falcon)
  • Since 1978 - Green roundel, national flag on the fin

Zeljki Heimer, 10 May 2002