The current flag of Brunei was officially
adopted in September of 1959, but a similar flag without the
crest has been in use since 1906. The original flag was created
upon independence, using colors derived from the personal flags
of the royal family.
Specifically, the color yellow was taken
from the Sultan, and white and black were taken from the two
other officials responsible for signing the independence
agreement with the United Kingdom. In 1959 the flag was updated
with the coat of arms. The crest of Brunei features five main
elements, including the flag and umbrella at the top of the
crest. Below that is the wing of four feathers, a symbol of
peace, tranquility, justice and prosperity. The hands represent
the government’s pledge to promote the welfare of the nation.
The crescent is a reference to Islam, and features in Arabic,
the state motto, “Always render service by God’s guidance.”
Below the crest is a scroll containing the name of the state,
again written in Arabic. .
