The national flag of Singapore was first adopted in 1959, the year Singapore became self-governing within the British Empire. It was reconfirmed as the national flag when the Republic gained independence on 9 August 1965. The design is a horizontal bicolour of red above white, overlaid in the canton (upper-left quadrant) by a white crescent moon facing a pentagon of five small white five-pointed stars. The elements of the flag denote a young nation on the ascendant, universal brotherhood[disambiguation needed] and equality, as well as national ideals.
The national flag of Singapore is used exclusively on or in front of buildings owned by the government, ministries, statutory boards and educational institutions on a year round basis. Initially, this flag could only be flown by individuals and non-governmental organisations during the month of August to mark Singapore's national day on 9 August, though this has since been relaxed to allow citizens to fly the flag from vehicles during national holidays and from homes at any time of the year. Vessels at sea do not, however, use the national flag as an ensign. They use a civil ensign instead.