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Flag of France

Europe
66.7M
1794
Flag of France
FR | 2:3

Official Palette

Symbolism

The blue and red colors are the traditional colors of Paris, used on the city's coat of arms. White is the color of the House of Bourbon, which ruled France for centuries. The tricolor represents the union of the people with the monarchy, though today it is primarily seen as a symbol of liberty, equality, and fraternity.

History

The 'Drapeau Tricolore' was born during the French Revolution of 1789. It was designed by the Marquis de Lafayette, who combined the white of the king with the blue and red of the Paris militia.

Construction

The flag is a vertical tricolor with a 2:3 ratio. While the stripes appear equal, they are often manufactured with a 30:33:37 proportion (Blue being the narrowest) for maritime use to make them look equal when flying in the wind.

Color Meanings

blue: The city of Paris and liberty
white: The House of Bourbon and equality
red: The city of Paris and fraternity

Country Facts

Population
66.7M

7.1% of Europe

Capital
Paris
Languages
French
Continent
Europe
Landlocked
No
ISO 3166-1
FR

Flag Identification

Adopted
February 15, 1794
Designer
Marquis de Lafayette
Proportions

2:3 (≈1.500)

23
Total Colors
3
Primary Layout
Vertical bands

Influences

French Revolution militia colors
Marquis de Lafayette

Flags with resemblance

Visually close designs — compare colors and emblems, or try similarities mode.

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Flag Protocol

  • The bands are often adjusted in width for maritime use to appear equal
  • Must be respected as a global symbol of revolution and liberty

Practice

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