πŸ‡ΈπŸ‡¬ Singapore Flag Unveiled: Colors, Meaning, Coat of Arms, Flag Map, and Similar Flags

The flag of Singapore is a potent emblem that signifies the nation’s progress and collectiveness. Its design, blending tradition with forward-thinking, mirrors the city-state’s distinctive character. This flag represents Singapore’s rich cultural mosaic, its commitment to harmony, and a shared vision for a prosperous future.

Flag of Singapore

Flag of Singapore with a crescent moon and five stars against a red background above a horizontal white stripe.
Flag of singapore

The flag of Singapore is distinguished by its simple yet striking design, consisting of two horizontal halves. The upper half is a vivid red, while the lower half is pure white. On the red section, towards the hoist side, resides a white crescent moon beside a circle of five small white stars.

This design is aesthetically pleasing and significant, with the crescent and stars embodying key aspects of Singapore’s national ethos and aspirations.

Flag of Singapore: Color Palette

Red

#ef3340

RGB: 239, 51, 64

CMYK: 0, 79, 73, 6

White

#ffffff

RGB: 255, 255, 255

CMYK: 0, 0, 0, 0

Singapore Flag Map

Illustration of Singapore's map with the national flag overlay.
Singapore flag map

Singapore Flag Emoji: πŸ‡ΈπŸ‡¬

The color palette of the Singapore flag is a harmonious blend of red and white. These colors are chosen for their symbolic resonance and visual impact, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of their meanings. The distinct use of red and white in the flag’s design creates an emblematic representation of the nation’s principles and identity.

Also see: Singapore’s Regions Map

Meaning of Each Color

Singapore flag in the foreground with the Sultan Mosque's golden dome in the background.
Flag of Singapore in front of Sultan Mosque

Red

The red stripe in Singapore’s flag symbolizes universal brotherhood and equality. Historically, red has been significant in many cultures, often associated with strength, courage, and vitality.

In the context of Singapore, it represents the nation’s commitment to equal opportunity and unity among its diverse population. This choice of color resonates with the city-state’s multicultural and inclusive society.

White

The white stripe symbolizes purity and virtue. White, often regarded as a color of peace and harmony, reflects Singapore’s dedication to maintaining moral integrity and social harmony within its society.

It underscores the country’s commitment to high ethical standards and the importance of unity in diversity.

Coat of Arms of Singapore

Coat of arms of Singapore featuring a red shield with a white crescent and five stars, flanked by a lion and a tiger, with a banner below reading "Majulah Singapura".
Singapore Coat of Arms, signifying the harmony and resilience of its people.

The Coat of Arms of Singapore is a significant national symbol that complements the flag. It was adopted on the same day as the national flag, December 3, 1959, and symbolizes the nation’s heritage. The coat of arms consists of:

  • The Shield: Divided into five parts, each section carries unique symbols, including a crescent moon, similar to the flag, reflecting the young, ascending nation.
  • Supporters: A lion and a tiger. The lion represents Singapore, often referred to as the Lion City, while the tiger symbolizes historical ties with Malaysia.
  • The Crest: Features a red-and-white composition topped with a crown, mirroring the national flag’s colors.
  • The Motto: “Majulah Singapura,” which means “Onward Singapore,” is inscribed below. It signifies the nation’s aspirations and forward-looking spirit.

Together, these coat of arms elements represent Singapore’s national pride, its journey from a humble fishing village to a bustling metropolis, and its dreams for the future.

These symbols – the colors of the flag and the coat of arms – collectively narrate the story of Singapore, reflecting its past, present, and aspirations for the future.

Historical Evolution and the Meaning Behind Changes

The flag of Singapore, as it is known today, was officially adopted on December 3, 1959, marking a significant moment in the nation’s history. However, the colors and design of the flag have evolved, reflecting Singapore’s journey from a British colony to an independent, sovereign nation.

Before self-governance, Singapore was part of the Straits Settlements under British rule. The flag used during this period was the British Blue Ensign, which featured symbols representing the Straits Settlements.

Flag of the Straits Settlements with a Union Jack in the top left corner and a blue field with a white circle containing red and white crests on the right.
The initial flag of the Straits Settlements (1879–1925).

Singapore did not have a separate flag, although it had a city coat of arms granted in 1911, featuring a lion, to signify the city’s name meaning “Lion City.”

After World War II, Singapore became a separate British colony. The flag used in this period was modified from the Straits Settlements flag, containing a badge with only one crown, symbolizing Singapore’s distinct colonial essence.

Flag of the Crown Colony of Singapore with a British Union Jack in the top left corner and a crest on the right side on a blue background.
The flag of the Crown Colony of Singapore

The present-day flag of Singapore was adopted when Singapore became self-governing within the British Empire in 1959. The design was selected to represent Singapore, distinct from its colonial past.

The red and white colors were chosen for their symbolic meaningsβ€”red for universal brotherhood and equality and white for purity and virtue. The addition of the crescent and stars signifies a young nation on the rise and the ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice, and equality.

Since its adoption in 1959, there have been no major changes to the design or colors of the flag. The flag remained the same even when Singapore joined Malaysia in 1963 and became independent in 1965.

The continuity of the flag design post-independence reflects its significance in embodying the national character and the spirit of the Singaporean people.

Overall Symbolic Meaning of the Flag

Singapore flag pinned on a world map showing its location.
The location of Singapore, on the tip of the Malay Peninsula, marked by a pin of its national flag.

The Singapore flag symbolically captures the essence of the nation’s identity and core values. It represents Singapore’s journey from its origins to its modern status as a dynamic, progressive city-state.

With its unique elements, the flag’s design conveys a narrative of growth, unity, and a shared vision for the future and embodies the nation’s resilience.

Similar Flags to the Flag of Singapore

Here are a few flags that share visual similarities with the flag of Singapore, each with its own unique story and significance:

Indonesia

Flag of Indonesia with two horizontal bands, red on top and white on the bottom.
Flag of Indonesia, reflecting their geographical proximity and cultural links.

The flag of Indonesia, known as Sang Saka Merah-Putih, resembles the Singapore flag in its color scheme, featuring horizontal red and white stripes.

The similarity arises from geographic proximity and shared cultural influences in the region. However, the Indonesian flag lacks additional elements like the crescent and stars in Singapore’s flag.

Monaco

Flag of Monaco with two equal horizontal bands, red on top and white on the bottom.
Flag of Monaco, showcasing the universality of red and whiter in global flag design.

The flag of Monaco also shares the red and white color palette with Singapore’s flag. While both flags feature horizontal bands of red and white, the Monaco flag is noted for its simplicity, without additional symbols like the crescent and stars.

The resemblance here is more coincidental, as Monaco and Singapore do not share a direct historical or cultural connection.

Poland

Flag of Poland with two horizontal stripes, the top stripe is white and the bottom stripe is red.
Flag of Poland, resembling Singapore’s flag with its red and white composition.

Like Monaco and Indonesia, Poland’s national flag consists of two horizontal bands of white and red. The design is straightforward without additional emblems, making it visually similar to Singapore’s flag in color distribution.

Again, the similarity is coincidental, stemming from the common use of red and white in national flags rather than a shared history.

Final Thoughts

With its distinct design and symbolism, the Singapore flag stands proudly among the global tapestry of flags, reflecting the nation’s unique character and aspirations. It remains a source of enduring pride and identity for Singaporeans, encapsulating their collective journey and the values they cherish.

Image Sources and Copyright Information
  • Singapore Flag in Front of Sultan Mosque: Β© Wachiwit/Shutterstock
  • Singapore Flag Pin on Map: Β© hyotographics/Shutterstock