In 1970, when Prince Qaboos overthrew his father in a coup, the flag was changed to this current one. White represents the determination toward peace and prosperity, while red represents past wars with foreign parties, and green, the fertile land of Oman. The national emblem depicted in the upper left is a design combining Oman's traditional weapon, the long sword and dagger (khanjar) and has been used from around the 18th century.