Morocco vs Vietnam Flag: Stars on Solid Backgrounds
Morocco and Vietnam both fly flags with a striking minimalist design — a single star centered on a solid colored background. Morocco's flag features a green five-pointed star (pentagram) outlined on a red field, while Vietnam's displays a solid yellow five-pointed star on a red field. Both designs are bold and instantly recognizable, though they represent vastly different cultural and political traditions.
Key Differences
- Morocco's star is green and outlined (not filled); Vietnam's star is yellow and solid.
- Morocco's background is red; Vietnam's is also red, but the star colors differ entirely.
- Morocco's star is a pentagram (interlaced five-pointed star); Vietnam's is a simple five-pointed star.
- Morocco's flag represents the Alaouite dynasty and Islam; Vietnam's represents communist revolution.
- Morocco's flag was adopted in 1915; Vietnam's current design dates to 1955 (originally 1940).
Similarities
- Both feature a single five-pointed star as the central and only design element.
- Both use a solid red background.
- Both are minimalist flags with no stripes, emblems, or text.
- Both stars are centered on the flag.
Why Do Morocco and Vietnam Flags Look So Similar?
The similarity is coincidental. Morocco's red background has been used by the ruling Alaouite dynasty since the 17th century, and the green pentagram was added in 1915 during the French protectorate to distinguish it from other plain red flags. Vietnam's red-and-yellow flag was designed in 1940 by revolutionary Nguyễn Hữu Tiến as a symbol of communist revolution, with red representing blood and the yellow star representing the Vietnamese people. Both countries independently chose a star-on-red design through entirely different historical paths.
History of the Moroccan Flag
Morocco's red flag has been used since the 17th century under the Alaouite dynasty. The plain red banner was the standard of Moroccan sultans for centuries. In 1915, during the French protectorate, the green interlaced pentagram (Seal of Solomon) was added to the center to distinguish it from other red flags used in the region. The green star represents Islam, and its five points symbolize the five pillars of Islam. The flag was retained upon independence in 1956.
History of the Vietnamese Flag
Vietnam's flag was designed by Nguyễn Hữu Tiến in 1940 and first used during the Southern Uprising against French and Japanese forces. It became the flag of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam under Ho Chi Minh on September 2, 1945. After reunification in 1975, it became the flag of the unified Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The original star shape was slightly refined in 1955. Tragically, the flag's designer was executed by the French in 1941.
Color Comparison
Morocco Flag Colors
Vietnam Flag Colors
Fun Facts
- Morocco's star is actually a pentagram (interlaced star) rather than a simple star — one of the few national flags to use this shape.
- Vietnam's flag designer, Nguyễn Hữu Tiến, was executed by the French at age 29 — he never saw Vietnam gain independence.
- Both flags are among the most recognizable in the world due to their bold simplicity.
- Turkey and Tunisia also use star-on-colored-background designs, creating a global family of star flags.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Morocco and Vietnam flags look alike?
The similarity is coincidental. Morocco's red background has been used by the ruling Alaouite dynasty since the 17th century, and the green pentagram was added in 1915 during the French protectorate to distinguish it from other plain red flags. Vietnam's red-and-yellow flag was designed in 1940 by revolutionary Nguyễn Hữu Tiến as a symbol of communist revolution, with red representing blood and the yellow star representing the Vietnamese people. Both countries independently chose a star-on-red design through entirely different historical paths.
What is the difference between the Morocco and Vietnam flag?
- Morocco's star is green and outlined (not filled); Vietnam's star is yellow and solid.
- Morocco's background is red; Vietnam's is also red, but the star colors differ entirely.
- Morocco's star is a pentagram (interlaced five-pointed star); Vietnam's is a simple five-pointed star.
- Morocco's flag represents the Alaouite dynasty and Islam; Vietnam's represents communist revolution.
- Morocco's flag was adopted in 1915; Vietnam's current design dates to 1955 (originally 1940).
Are the Morocco and Vietnam flags the same?
No, while they look very similar, the flags of Morocco and Vietnam have distinct differences. Morocco's star is green and outlined (not filled); Vietnam's star is yellow and solid.
Can You Tell Them Apart?
Test your flag knowledge with our interactive quiz!
Play Flag Quiz →Other Similar Flags
China vs Vietnam
China and Vietnam flags both feature yellow stars on a red background. Discover the key differences in star count, design, and the communist heritage behind both flags.
Turkey vs Tunisia
Turkey and Tunisia flags both feature a crescent and star on a red background. Compare the design differences, Ottoman heritage, and symbolism.
Japan vs Bangladesh
Japan and Bangladesh flags both feature a circle on a solid background — red on white and red on green. Compare their design, symbolism, and history.