USA vs Liberia vs Malaysia Flag
The flags of the United States, Liberia, and Malaysia are strikingly similar — all feature red and white horizontal stripes with a blue canton (top-left rectangle). This is no accident for Liberia, which was founded by freed American slaves. Malaysia's resemblance, however, is more complex, with British colonial origins playing a role.
Key Differences
- USA has 50 stars on the blue canton, Liberia has just 1 star, and Malaysia has a crescent and 14-pointed star.
- USA has 13 stripes, Liberia has 11, and Malaysia has 14.
- Malaysia's stripes alternate red and white but include a yellow crescent and star on the blue canton.
- The USA's blue canton covers 7 stripes; Liberia's covers 5; Malaysia's covers the full height of the top 8 stripes.
- Malaysia's canton is darker blue with a yellow (not white) crescent and star.
Similarities
- All three have alternating red and white horizontal stripes.
- All three have a dark blue canton in the upper-left corner.
- All three feature star(s) on the blue canton.
- All three flags use red, white, and blue as primary colors.
Why Do United States and Liberia Flags Look So Similar?
Liberia's resemblance to the US flag is intentional. Liberia was founded in 1847 by freed American slaves who modeled their new nation — and its flag — after the United States. The single star represents Liberia as the 'Lone Star' of Africa, the first independent republic on the continent. Malaysia's flag (Jalur Gemilang) was designed in 1963 and draws from the flag of the British East India Company, which also influenced the US flag. The stripes represent Malaysia's 13 member states and federal territories.
History of the American Flag
The Stars and Stripes was adopted on June 14, 1777. The 13 stripes represent the original colonies, and stars have been added as states joined — reaching 50 with Hawaii in 1960. The flag's design has been modified 27 times, more than any other national flag.
History of the Liberian Flag
Liberia's flag was adopted on August 26, 1847, when the country declared independence. Designed by a committee of seven women, it closely mirrors the US flag to honor Liberia's American roots. The 11 stripes represent the 11 signatories of the Liberian Declaration of Independence. The lone white star symbolizes Liberia as the first independent African republic.
Color Comparison
United States Flag Colors
Liberia Flag Colors
Fun Facts
- Liberia's flag is so similar to the US flag that it's often used as a substitute emoji for the American flag on social media.
- Malaysia's flag was actually inspired by the British East India Company flag, not the US flag — but the EIC flag also influenced the US flag, making them distant cousins.
- The US flag has been modified 27 times — more than any other country's flag.
- Liberia was founded by the American Colonization Society as a settlement for freed African American slaves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do United States and Liberia flags look alike?
Liberia's resemblance to the US flag is intentional. Liberia was founded in 1847 by freed American slaves who modeled their new nation — and its flag — after the United States. The single star represents Liberia as the 'Lone Star' of Africa, the first independent republic on the continent. Malaysia's flag (Jalur Gemilang) was designed in 1963 and draws from the flag of the British East India Company, which also influenced the US flag. The stripes represent Malaysia's 13 member states and federal territories.
What is the difference between the United States and Liberia flag?
- USA has 50 stars on the blue canton, Liberia has just 1 star, and Malaysia has a crescent and 14-pointed star.
- USA has 13 stripes, Liberia has 11, and Malaysia has 14.
- Malaysia's stripes alternate red and white but include a yellow crescent and star on the blue canton.
- The USA's blue canton covers 7 stripes; Liberia's covers 5; Malaysia's covers the full height of the top 8 stripes.
- Malaysia's canton is darker blue with a yellow (not white) crescent and star.
Are the United States and Liberia flags the same?
No, while they look very similar, the flags of United States and Liberia have distinct differences. USA has 50 stars on the blue canton, Liberia has just 1 star, and Malaysia has a crescent and 14-pointed star.
Can You Tell Them Apart?
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