Bahrain: flag, capital and map

Originally plain red, the flag gained a white stripe in 1820, under a maritime treaty with the British Empire meant to set Bahrain apart from pirate colours; a serrated border, added in 1932 to distinguish it from its neighbours, then counted twenty-eight and later eight points.

Since a decree by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on 14 February 2002, these points number five, referring to the five pillars of Islam; red recalls the blood shed and the country's battles, white stands for peace.