Flag of Kuwait

During the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in August 1990, the Iraqi government under Saddam Hussein sought to suppress Kuwaiti national symbols after declaring Kuwait Iraq’s "19th province". The Kuwaiti flag was banned during the occupation, and Iraqi authorities replaced it with Iraqi symbols on public buildings, government facilities, and other official locations as part of efforts to integrate Kuwait into Iraq. Kuwaitis who displayed the national flag or participated in symbolic acts of resistance risked arrest, torture, or other severe punishment by the occupying authorities. According to reports presented to international bodies following the occupation, civilians were punished for acts such as "raising the Kuwaiti flag", writing national slogans, distributing opposition leaflets, or participating in peaceful demonstrations against the occupation. These reports described how such symbolic expressions of Kuwaiti national identity were treated by Iraqi authorities as acts of resistance, and individuals suspected of these activities were detained and subjected to interrogation or mistreatment during the period of Iraqi control. == Rules and Protocol for Displaying the Kuwaiti Flag ==

The Law No. 26 of 1961 formally defines the national flag’s design, proportions, and where it may be hoisted, such as government buildings, embassies, private buildings on national occasions. The flag’s length must be twice its width, divided into three horizontal bands with a black trapezium at the hoist. In addition to these legal definitions, official etiquette and regulations require respectful handling and display of the flag: Orientation • Horizontally: The green stripe must be on top, followed by white and red, with the black trapezium at the hoist. • Vertically: The black trapezium must be nearest the flagpole, with the stripes properly aligned and colors preserved in order. Respectful Handling • The flag must be clean, intact, and undamaged. • It should be raised quickly and lowered slowly. • The flag should never touch the ground, be used as clothing or decoration in a disrespectful manner, or be altered with writing, symbols, or drawings. Proper Use and Occasions • It may only be flown on private buildings during official feasts and ceremonies and must not be used continuously or for commercial or advertising purposes. Penalties for Misuse Violations of flag regulations such as displaying a damaged flag, improper hoisting, or unauthorized use may carry fines, imprisonment, or other legal penalties. Recent updates, including Decree‑Law No. 73 of 2025, have further strengthened restrictions to protect the flag’s dignity and national symbolism. == Construction sheet ==

The current Emir of Kuwait has a personal royal standard, which is the national flag with a yellow crown on the green stripe. File:Standard of the Emir of Kuwait (1921-1940).svg| Standard of the Emir 1921–1940 File:Standard of the Emir of Kuwait (1940-1956).svg| Standard of the Emir 1940–1956 File:Standard of the Emir of Kuwait (1956-1961).svg| Standard of the Emir 1956–1961 File:Standard of the Emir of Kuwait.svg|Standard of the Emir 1961–present ==Historical flags of Kuwait==

File:Flag of Kuwait Al-Sulami 1746-1871.svg| 1746–1871 (Al-Sulami flag) File:Flag of the Ottoman Empire.svg| 1871–1914(The Ottoman Empire adopted its flag in 1844) File:Flag of the United Kingdom (1-2).svg| 1899–1961 (Emirate of Kuwait under protectorate of the United Kingdom) File:Flag of Kuwait (1903).svg| Used between 28–30 November 1903 during the visit of Lord Curzon File:Flag of Kuwait (1906 proposal).svg| 1906 proposal(not adopted) File:Flag of Kuwait (1909-1915).svg| 1913 proposal(not adopted) File:Flag of Kuwait (1914-1921).svg| 1914–1921 File:Flag of Kuwait (Battle of Jahra 1920).svg| Battle flag raised during Battle of Jahra in 1920 File:Flag of Kuwait (1921-1940).svg| 1921–1940 File:Flag of Kuwait (1940-1961).svg| 1940–1961 File:Maritime Ensign of Kuwait 1956-1961.svg| Maritime Ensign1956–1961Only used at sea File:Flag of Iraq (1963–1991).svg|Flag used during the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait (1990) File:Flag of Kuwait.svg| 1961–present == See also ==