Flag of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan

What the flag looks like

A white field with the Shahada, the Islamic declaration of faith, written across the center in black Arabic script.

What it means

The Shahada declares that there is no god but God and that Muhammad is the messenger of God; the white field is said to stand for the purity of the faith.

How to remember it

The Islamic Emirate is nothing but black Arabic calligraphy on plain white; Saudi Arabia writes the same words in white on green above a sword.

Fun facts

• The Taliban first flew a plain white flag after taking Kabul in 1996 and added the black Shahada in 1997.
• Russia became the first country to formally recognize the Taliban government, in July 2025.

Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan at a glance

Recognized by

Russia (since July 2025)

In power since

2021

Capital

Kabul

Region

Southern Asia

Population

43 million

Area

652,230 km²

Languages

Pashto, Dari

Currency

Afghan afghani (؋)

Flag adopted

1997

Flags often confused with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan

• Saudi Arabia: The Islamic Emirate and Saudi Arabia both carry the Shahada in Arabic script. Saudi Arabia writes it in white on green above a sword; the Islamic Emirate writes it in black on plain white.