Kyrgyzstan’s national flag has a red field with a yellow sun surrounding a stylized tunduk.
The tunduk is the crown-like wooden structure at the top of a traditional Kyrgyz yurt. It symbolizes the home and the unity of the people, while the 40 rays of the sun traditionally represent the 40 tribes united by the legendary hero Manas.
The flag was adopted on 3 March 1992, soon after Kyrgyzstan became independent from the Soviet Union. Its red background is associated with bravery and courage, and also recalls the banner of Manas.
The flag was modified in December 2023, when the sun’s rays were changed from wavy to straight lines. This alteration was intended to make the emblem clearer and more distinct. Kazakhstan’s flag also features a sun, but its field is sky blue and it includes a steppe eagle.