<!-- The [[red]] rectangle represents the boldness of the nation's heroes, and their willingness to sacrifice their every drop of [[blood]] in defense of their country. The green rectangle in the center represents the many [[coconut palm]] trees in the [[islands]]. The white [[crescent moon]] symbolizes a state of unified [[Islamic]] faith.
<{{br>}}Until the beginning of the 20th century the flag of the Maldives was plain red, reflecting the culture of the Arab traders from the Persian Gulf who operated among the islands. This flag remained in use after the British Protectorate was set up in 1887. The flag later acquired a white crescent facing the hoist- another sign of Islamic influence. The flag was redesigned in 1948 after the independence of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) of which the islands had been a dependency. The crescent was turned around and placed on an Islamic green panel. A pattern of black and white diagonal stripes was added along the hoist. This was dropped after independence from Britain in 1965. A modern interpretation of the colors suggests that red symbolizes the blood shed in the struggle for independence, while green stands for peace and progress. -->
