Adopted in 1959. The flag of Singapore has two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white. Near the hoist side of the red band, there is a vertical, white crescent (closed portion is toward the hoist side) partially enclosing five white five-pointed stars arranged in a circle. Red denotes brotherhood and equality. White signifies purity and virtue. The waxing crescent moon symbolizes a young nation on the ascendancy, and the five stars represent the nation's ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice, and equality. (ref: CIA World Factbook)