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Flag of Croatia

Europe
3.9M
1990
Flag of Croatia
HR | 1:2

Official Palette

Symbolism

The red, white, and blue are Pan-Slavic colors. The shield (šahovnica) in the center is a traditional Croatian checkerboard. The five smaller shields above it represent the historical regions of Croatia: Croatia proper, Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Istria, and Slavonia.

History

The tricolor has been used since 1848. The current version with the coat of arms was officially adopted on December 21, 1990.

Construction

A 1:2 ratio. Three equal horizontal bands of red, white, and blue. The national coat of arms is centered on the flag.

Color Meanings

red: Blood shed for independence and courage
white: Peace, purity, and the white fields of the checkerboard
blue: Vigilance and the blue fields of the checkerboard

Country Facts

Population
3.9M

0.4% of Europe

Capital
Zagreb
Languages
Croatian
Continent
Europe
Subregion
Balkans
Landlocked
No
Borders
Flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina Bosnia and HerzegovinaFlag of Hungary HungaryFlag of Montenegro MontenegroFlag of Serbia SerbiaFlag of Slovenia Slovenia
ISO 3166-1
HR

Flag Identification

Adopted
December 21, 1990
Proportions

1:2

12
Total Colors
5
Primary Layout
Horizontal bands
Key Symbols
Emblem, Animal, Weapon

Influences

Pan-Slavic colors
Kingdom of Croatia historical arms

Flags with resemblance

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

Related flags

Flag Protocol

  • The national coat of arms must be perfectly centered
  • The checkerboard must always start with a red square in the top left

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