Country: Republic of Singapore

Singapore Flag Description:
The flag of Singapore consists of two equal-sized horizontal stripes - the top stripe is red and the bottom one is white. On the left hand side of the red stripe there is a white crescent moon with five white, five-pointed stars to its right.

Singapore Flag Meaning:
The red represents universal brotherhood and equality of man and the white stands for purity and virtue. The crescent moon, symbolizes the young nation of Singapore on the rise and the five stars represent the country's ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality.

Singapore Flag History:
For 140 years (1819-1959), the Union Jack flew over Singapore. Singapore gained independence from Malaysia on August 9, 1965. In 1963, Singapore joined with Malaya, North Borneo (now Sabah) and Sarawak to form the Federation of Malaysia but left in 1959. Then, on 3 December 1959, the National Flag, an important symbol of independence, was unveiled together with the State Crest and National Anthem at the installation of the new Head of State, the Yang di-Pertuan Negara. The flag was conceived and created by a committee headed by the Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Toh Chin Chye.

Interesting Singapore Facts:
The Singapore flag was originally designed with three stars, until the country's leaders expressed concern that Singapore might be perceived to be associated with the Malayan Communist Party, as their flag also had three stars. The Singapore flag was also meant to be red, as red is a very traditional Chinese color and the majority of Singapore's population is Chinese, but the idea was scrapped as red was associated with communism.


And of course, with the flag comes our national song too!

Majulah Singapura (sung in Malay)
Mari kita rakyat Singapura
Sama-sama menuju bahagia
Cita-cita kita yang mulia
Berjaya Singapura
Marilah kita bersatu
Dengan semangat yang baru
Semua kita berseru
Majulah Singapura
Majulah Singapura

Onward Singapore (English translation)
We, the people of Singapore
Together march towards happiness
Our noble aspiration
To make Singapore a success
Let us all unite
In a new spirit
Together we proclaim
Onward Singapore
Onward Singapore



Hope this post brings you fond memories of the days where you have to stand in the parade square singing our national anthem!

Francis