Explorer

Flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Europe
3.4M
1998
Flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina
BA | 1:2

Official Palette

Symbolism

The yellow triangle represents the three main ethnic groups (Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs) and the shape of the country. The stars represent Europe. Blue and yellow are the colors of the European Union.

History

Adopted on February 4, 1998, replacing the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina flag (which featured a coat of arms with lilies). The current design was imposed by the UN High Representative after the parliament could not agree on a solution.

Construction

A 1:2 ratio. A blue field with a yellow right triangle and a diagonal line of nine white five-pointed stars, with the top and bottom stars cut off.

Color Meanings

blue: European integration and the sky
yellow: The three main ethnic groups and the sun
white: Purity and the stars of Europe

Country Facts

Population
3.4M

0.4% of Europe

Capital
Sarajevo
Languages
Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian
Continent
Europe
Subregion
Balkans
Landlocked
No
Borders
Flag of Croatia CroatiaFlag of Montenegro MontenegroFlag of Serbia Serbia
ISO 3166-1
BA

Flag Identification

Adopted
February 4, 1998
Proportions

1:2

12
Total Colors
3
Key Symbols
Stars

Influences

European Union flag
Aspiration for European integration

Related flags

Flag Protocol

  • The stars must appear to be continuing off the top and bottom edges
  • The triangle must have one point facing directly down

Practice

Think you know the flags of Europe? Test your recognition in a quick practice round.

Start Europe Quiz