Any of the northwestern African Muslims, of mixed Arab and Berber origin, who conquered Spain and ruled its southern part from 711 to 1492, when they were forced to renounce their faith and became Christian (they were then known as Moriscos). The name (English form of Latin Maurus) was originally applied to an inhabitant of the Roman province of Mauritania, in northwestern Africa.
The emblem was added to distinguish the flag from that of Italy. The design is based on the French tricolour. The colours are those of the Mexican liberation army. Effective date: 23 November 1968.