Flag of the Czech Republic

The Czech flag is the official symbol of the Czech Republic. Its unique design consists of two horizontal stripes – white and red – and a blue triangle extending from the pole. This flag reflects the historical traditions of the Czech people and their struggle for independence.

History of the Czech flag

The history of the Czech flag is connected with the national awakening of the country and its political development in the twentieth century.

The origin of the flag

• XIII-XIV centuries: White and red colors were used in the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Bohemia, which occupied the territory of modern Czech Republic.
• XIX century: During the Czech national revival, the white and red colors began to be widely used as a symbol of national identity.

Adoption of the modern flag

• 1918: After the formation of Czechoslovakia, a white and red flag was adopted, based on the traditional coat of arms of Bohemia.
• 1920: To avoid resemblance to the Polish flag, a blue triangle symbolizing Moravia and Silesia was added to the design.
• 1993: After the peaceful dissolution of Czechoslovakia, the Czech Republic retained this flag as the official state symbol.

Colors of the Czech Republic flag

Meaning of the colors of the flag

Each of the three colors of the Czech flag has a deep historical significance:

1. White:
   • Symbolizes purity and honesty.
   • It comes from the coat of arms of Bohemia, which depicts a white lion on a red shield.
2. Red:
   • It represents strength, courage and blood shed for freedom.
   • It is also associated with national struggle.
3. Blue:
   • Symbolizes loyalty, justice and devotion.
   • It represents the historical regions of Moravia and Silesia.

Flag color codes

The official colors of the Czech flag are approved to accurately reproduce its design:

1. White:
   • RGB: (255, 255, 255)
   • HEX: #FFFFFF
   • CMYK: (0, 0, 0, 0)
   • Pantone: White
2. Red:
   • RGB: (215, 20, 26)
   • HEX: #D7141A
   • CMYK: (0, 91, 87, 16)
   • Pantone: 186 C
3. Blue:
   • RGB: (17, 69, 126)
   • HEX: #11457E
   • CMYK: (100, 80, 0, 20)
   • Pantone: 286 C

Format and proportions

The Czech flag has a non-standard design due to the blue triangle, which gives it a unique look.

Flag proportions

The official aspect ratio of the flag is 2:3, which is standard for many national flags.

The arrangement of the elements

1. Horizontal stripes:
   • The upper stripe is white.
   • The lower stripe is red.
2. Blue triangle:
   • Starts at the hoist and extends to about one-third of the flag’s length.

Interesting facts about the Czech flag

1. Heritage of Czechoslovakia: After the collapse of Czechoslovakia, Slovakia adopted a new flag, while the Czech Republic kept the tricolor unchanged.
2. Similarities to other flags: The Czech Republic has similar colors to the flags of Russia and Slovakia, but it has a unique triangular element.
3. Design stability: The Czech flag has remained unchanged since 1920, which is a testament to its deep national significance.

The Czech flag is an important symbol of national pride, independence and historical heritage. Its simple but meaningful design emphasizes the strength, unity and desire for freedom of the Czech people.