The Sultanate of Oman

The National Flag of Oman

Before 1970, Oman was known as the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman, and used a simple red banner as a flag.

In 1970, the Sultan introduced a new coat of arms, and flag. First of all, the coat of arms. They feature two crossed swords, and a Khanjar, a traditional Omani curved dagger. Given the local tribes use of horses for many things, and the important role they play in Oman, an ornate horsebit binds the swords and the dagger.

The new flag was a horizontal tricolour of white, red, and green. However, the central red bar was thinner than the others. Also, on the hoist side, a vertical red bar, with the new coat of arms placed at the top.

In 1995, the flag was altered to equalise the thickness of the 3 horizontal bars.

The red comes from the former flag, as well as being a common colour across the Gulf states. The white represents religion and peace, and the green represents the "Green Mountains" which lie to the north of the country.