Flag of Singapore

The flag features horizontal bands of red and white with a crescent moon and five stars in the upper left corner. The crescent signifies a young nation on the ascendant while the stars represent the national ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice, and equality. This arrangement was intended to unify the diverse population under a single set of shared values.

Red stands for universal brotherhood and the equality of man while white represents everlasting purity and virtue. These colors were selected to project a sense of harmony and moral integrity across the entire population. The choice reflects a commitment to building a unified and virtuous society.

The flag was created in 1959 by a committee led by Dr. Toh Chin Chye to replace the British Union Jack. Designers integrated symbols like the crescent and stars to represent various ethnic groups while providing new secular meanings for the whole nation. This design was officially unveiled during a major state ceremony and was formally retained when the country gained full independence in 1965.