Chad

3×5' nylon national flag of Chad.

Chad's flag is the most famous case of accidental twins in vexillology. Its blue, yellow and red vertical tricolor is almost indistinguishable from Romania's, and the resemblance has drawn diplomatic comment more than once.

Design

Three equal vertical bands of blue, yellow and red.

History & Symbolism

Chad adopted the flag on 6 November 1959, ahead of independence from France in 1960. The design combines the French tricolor model with Pan-African colors, with blue taking the place of green. Blue stands for the sky, hope and water; yellow for the sun and the desert north; and red for progress, unity and the sacrifice of the nation.

Flag Specifications

• Adopted: 6 November 1959
• Official proportions: 2:3
• Colors: indigo blue, yellow, red

Vexillographer's Note

The difference from Romania is a matter of shade: Chad's blue is a darker indigo, Romania's a brighter cobalt. Side by side the difference shows; alone, it takes a trained eye.

Humphrys Flag Company · Old City Philadelphia · Est. 1864