Symbolism
White represents spiritual purity and moral virtue. Red represents courage and the blood sacrificed for freedom. Yellow represents prosperity and the wealth of the land. The flag reuses the colors of the historic medieval Kingdom of Alania associated with the Ossetian people.
History
Adopted on May 30, 1991, before South Ossetia's declaration of independence from Georgia during the collapse of the Soviet Union. The territory's status remains disputed, with recognition limited to a handful of states.
Construction
A 1:2 ratio vertical tricolor of white, red, and yellow.
Color Meanings
white: Spiritual purity and wisdom
red: Courage and sacrifice for freedom
yellow: Prosperity and the golden harvest
Country Facts
- Continent
- Asia
- Subregion
- Caucasus
- Landlocked
- No
- ISO 3166-1
- GE-OS
Flag Identification
- Adopted
- May 30, 1991
- Proportions
1:2
Influences
Banner of Alania
North Caucasian independence movements
Related flags
Flag Protocol
- Flown by authorities in Tskhinvali as the republic flag
- Georgia and most UN member states maintain that South Ossetia is part of Georgia
Practice
Think you know the flags of Asia? Test your recognition in a quick practice round.