Qatar's flag has an aspect ratio of 11:28, making it the only national flag with that ratio. Its exceptionally elongated shape is one of the flag's most distinctive features, with the width more than twice the height. The hoist side is white, while the larger fly side is Qatar's deep maroon, officially standardized as Pantone 1955 C.
The two fields are separated by a serrated edge with nine white points. Those points are traditionally associated with Qatar's status as the ninth emirate to conclude maritime treaties with Britain in 1916. The modern flag was officially adopted on 9 July 1971, shortly before Qatar became independent from Britain.
Qatar's flag is often confused with Bahrain's because both use a white hoist-side band and a jagged boundary. Bahrain's flag, however, is red rather than maroon, has five points, and uses the more conventional 3:5 proportion. Qatar's unusual dimensions are therefore a useful way to distinguish it at a glance.