Syria

About the flag

Syria’s flag uses the Pan-Arab colors and is distinguished by two green stars—originally symbolizing the short-lived union between Egypt and Syria (the United Arab Republic, 1958–1961). That sets it apart from look-alikes: Palestine has a red triangle at the hoist, the UAE adds a vertical red bar plus different stripe order, and Afghanistan features a national emblem in the center. Context tip: the red, white, black, and green echo the Arab Revolt and broader Arab unity. Memory hook: “Syria = Stars” — two green stars for Syria’s historic union. Also, think “S for Stars, S for Syria,” and recall Damascus, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.