Official Palette
Symbolism
The red-white-red colors are said to represent the blood-stained white tunic of Duke Leopold V of Austria after the siege of Acre during the Third Crusade.
History
One of the oldest national flags in the world. It has been used since 1230 by the Babenberg dynasty. It was officially re-adopted as the national flag of the Republic of Austria in 1918.
Construction
A 2:3 ratio. Three equal horizontal bands of red, white, and red.
Color Meanings
Country Facts
- Population
- 9.2M
1.0% of Europe
- Capital
- Vienna
- Languages
- German
- Continent
- Europe
- Subregion
- Central Europe
- Landlocked
- Yes
- ISO 3166-1
- AT
Flag Identification
- Adopted
- May 1, 1945
- Proportions
2:3 (≈1.500)
- Total Colors
- 2
- Primary Layout
- Horizontal bands
Influences
Lookalike Comparison
Side-by-side analysis of high-confusion flags, comparing exact color shades, proportions, and historical divergence.
Direct Lookalike Comparison
Quick Tell
Austria uses equal red-white-red bands; Latvia's white band is only one fifth of the height.
Historical Divergence
Austria's field date is May 1, 1945. Latvia's carmine flag was reinstated on February 27, 1990.
Flags with resemblance
Both are red-white-red. Austria uses equal bands at 2:3; Latvia is carmine with a white band only one fifth of the height, at 1:2.
Related flags
Flag Protocol
- The horizontal stripes must be of equal height
- The state flag (Bundesflagge) includes the eagle coat of arms
Practice
Think you know the flags of Europe? Test your recognition in a quick practice round.