The flag of Belgium, known as “le drapeau belge” in French, “de Belgische vlag” in Dutch, and “die Flagge Belgiens” in German, is the national flag of the Kingdom of Belgium. It consists of three equal vertical bands of black (hoist side), yellow, and red. This tricolor design is in the ratio of 13:15 and does not contain any coat of arms or other emblems in its official form.
What colors does the Belgian national flag use?
The Belgian national flag has a total of 3 colors: black, yellow and red. The black represents the shield of the Duchy of Brabant, the yellow symbolizes a lion with red claws and tongue, and the red references the lion’s background. These historical elements combine to form a bold and instantly recognizable symbol of the nation of Belgium. Check the exact color codes and meanings of the flag of Belgium.
Meaning
The colors of the Belgian flag are derived from the coat of arms of the Duchy of Brabant, which historically played a significant role in the formation of Belgium. Black represents determination, yellow stands for generosity, and red symbolizes courage. These colors also reflect the country’s motto: “L’union fait la force” (Unity makes strength).
History
The flag’s history dates back to the Belgian Revolution of 1830, when Belgium gained independence from the Netherlands. Initially, the revolutionary flag had horizontal stripes, but it was changed to vertical stripes to distinguish it from the Dutch flag. The Belgian flag was officially adopted on January 23, 1831, shortly after Belgium became an independent kingdom. Since then, it has remained a proud symbol of Belgian sovereignty and national unity.
What flags are similar to the Belgian national flag?
Below are the national flags that resemble the Belgian national flag.
- Flag of Germany: The German tricolor also features of black, red, and gold in as horizontal bands.