Mongolia Flag

Flag Adopted 1940

This flag combines nationalistic and religious symbolism. The red (formerly denoting communism) now stands for progress and prosperity. The blue center panel represents the people of Mongolia.

The symbol on the left panel is called a "soyonbo" and despite the secular government is a 17 century Buddhist marking combining several of the central themes of the religion.

The star and flame (sometimes shown only as a flame) represents past, present and future. The sun and moon just below represent the ancestors of the Moguls (i.e. Genghis Khan).

The vertical columns illustrate the Mongolian proverb: "Two friends are stronger than stone." The center circle is actually the familiar "yin-yang" fish. This symbolizes vigilance because fish never sleep.

The horizontal bars indicate the vigilance is required at the top and bottom of the culture.