Official Palette
Symbolism
The nine stripes represent the nine syllables of the phrase 'Eleftheria i Thanatos' (Freedom or Death). Blue represents the sea and sky, while white represents the purity of the independence struggle. The cross symbolizes Eastern Orthodox Christianity.
History
The design was officially adopted as the sole national flag in 1978, though it had been used as a naval ensign since 1822 during the Greek War of Independence.
Construction
A 2:3 ratio. Nine equal horizontal stripes of blue alternating with white. A blue square canton with a white cross occupies the upper hoist-side corner.
Color Meanings
Country Facts
- Population
- 10.4M
1.1% of Europe
- Capital
- Athens
- Languages
- Greek
- Continent
- Europe
- Subregion
- Southern Europe
- Landlocked
- No
- Borders
- ISO 3166-1
- GR
Flag Identification
- Adopted
- December 22, 1978
- Proportions
2:3 (≈1.500)
- Total Colors
- 2
- Primary Layout
- Horizontal bands
- Key Symbols
- Canton
Influences
Lookalike Comparison
Side-by-side analysis of high-confusion flags, comparing exact color shades, proportions, and historical divergence.
Direct Lookalike Comparison
Quick Tell
Greece has a white cross in a blue canton; Uruguay has the Sun of May in a white canton.
Historical Divergence
Greece's striped flag became the sole national flag on December 22, 1978. Uruguay adopted the sun canton on July 11, 1830.
Flags with resemblance
Both have nine blue-and-white stripes. Greece's canton is a white cross; Uruguay's canton is the Sun of May.
Related flags
Flag Protocol
- The nine stripes must always be alternating blue and white
- The cross in the canton must be white on a blue field
Practice
Think you know the flags of Europe? Test your recognition in a quick practice round.