The flag of the United States of America, often referred to as the Stars and Stripes, consists of thirteen alternating red and white horizontal stripes and a blue rectangle (known as the "union") in the upper hoist-side corner bearing fifty small, white, five-pointed stars arranged in nine offset horizontal rows.

Stripes:

• Number: There are thirteen stripes that represent the thirteen British colonies that declared independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain.
• Color: The stripes are red and white, with the red stripes positioned at the top and bottom of the flag.
• Orientation: The stripes run horizontally across the flag.

Stars:

• Number: There are fifty stars, representing the 50 states of the United States.
• Color: The stars are white.
• Arrangement: The stars are arranged in nine rows of alternating five and six stars.
• Field: The stars are set against a blue rectangle in the upper left corner of the flag.

Colors:

• Red: Symbolizes valor and bravery.
• White: Symbolizes purity and innocence.
• Blue: Represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

Dimensions:

The flag’s width-to-length ratio is 1 to 1.9, which means the flag is almost twice as long as it is wide.

History:

The design of the flag has been modified 26 times officially since 1777. The 48-star version went unchanged for 47 years until the 49-star version became official on July 4, 1959. The 50-star flag was ordered by President Eisenhower on August 21, 1959, and was adopted in July 1960. It is the longest-used version of the U.S. flag and has been in use for over 60 years.

In addition to the overall design and color scheme, the U.S. flag is associated with the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner," both of which are important symbols and expressions of national identity and patriotism.