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Flag of Italy

Europe
58.9M
1946
Flag of Italy
IT | 2:3

Official Palette

Symbolism

The tricolore represents hope (green), faith (white), and charity (red). A more geographic interpretation suggests green for the plains and hills, white for the snow-capped Alps, and red for the blood spilt during the Italian wars of independence.

History

Inspired by the French tricolor, the first Italian tricolor was used by the Cispadane Republic in 1797. It went through various iterations under the House of Savoy before being formally adopted as the national flag of the Italian Republic in 1946.

Construction

The flag has a 2:3 aspect ratio. It is a vertical tricolor of three equal bands of green, white, and red.

Color Meanings

green: Hope, the plains, and the hills of Italy
white: Faith and the snow-capped Alps
red: Charity and the blood shed for independence

Country Facts

Population
58.9M

6.3% of Europe

Capital
Rome
Languages
Italian, Catalan
Continent
Europe
Landlocked
No
Borders
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ISO 3166-1
IT

Flag Identification

Adopted
June 18, 1946
Proportions

2:3 (≈1.500)

23
Total Colors
3
Primary Layout
Vertical bands

Influences

French Tricolor

Flags with resemblance

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

Related flags

Flag Protocol

  • The bands must be vertical and of equal width
  • Must be treated with reverence as a symbol of the Republic

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