Monaco

3×5' nylon national flag of Monaco.

Monaco's flag is one of the simplest in the world and one of the oldest in its colors. Red and white have been the heraldic colors of the House of Grimaldi, which has ruled Monaco since 1297.

Design

Two equal horizontal bands of red over white.

History & Symbolism

The colors come from the Grimaldi arms, a shield of red and silver diamonds. The flag in its present form was adopted on 4 April 1881 under Prince Charles III. Monaco also uses a state flag that carries the princely arms on a white field.

Flag Specifications

• Adopted: 4 April 1881
• Official proportions: 4:5
• Colors: red, white

Vexillographer's Note

Indonesia's flag is also red over white. The difference is in the proportions: Monaco's is a nearly square 4:5, Indonesia's 2:3. Monaco objected when Indonesia adopted its flag in 1945, but both kept their designs.

Humphrys Flag Company · Old City Philadelphia · Est. 1864