The Olympic symbols are icons, flags and symbols used by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to elevate the Olympic Games. These symbols include those commonly used during Olympic competition, such as the flame, fanfare and theme, as well as those used throughout the years, such as the Olympic flag. The Olympic flag was created under the guidance of Baron de Coubertin in 1913 and was released in 1914. It was first hosted in 1914 in Alexandria, Egypt at the 1914 Pan-Egyptian Games. The five rings represent the five habitable continents of the world (The Americas being considered as one continent). It also contains the colours which are common to almost all flags around the world.