Lebanon’s national flag shows a green cedar tree on a white band between red bands.
The flag has two horizontal red stripes surrounding a wider white stripe. A green cedar occupies the centre of the white field. The cedar is an ancient symbol of Lebanon and appears repeatedly in the Bible and in the country’s historical traditions.
The cedar’s roots reach the edges of the white band, and the tree is intended to appear green rather than brown or dark. The white band is commonly associated with peace and purity, while the red bands are often linked with sacrifice and courage. These interpretations are widely repeated, although symbolic explanations can vary.
Lebanon’s current flag was adopted on 7 December 1943, shortly before the country gained full independence from the French Mandate. The cedar should not be confused with Canada’s maple leaf: both are botanical emblems, but Lebanon’s design uses a single tree on a tricolour field.