Flag of Belgium

The flag of Belgium consists of three vertical stripes of black, yellow, and red in the appropriate order. These three colors are bright and clear, with no additional symbols or emblems. The aspect ratio of the flag is usually 13:15, although other formats may be used depending on the context. The stripes have the same width, which ensures perfect symmetry. The simplicity and conciseness of the design make it an easily recognizable symbol of the Belgian nation.

Meaning of the Belgian flag colors:

• The black stripe is reminiscent of the black shield of Flanders, one of the historical regions of Belgium. This color reminds us of the strength, determination and resilience of the Flemish people over the centuries. 
• The yellow stripe is a tribute to the golden lion on the coat of arms of the Duchy of Brabant. It also symbolizes wealth, prosperity and light, reflecting the importance of Belgium as the economic and cultural center of Europe. 
• The red stripe originates from the lion of the Duchy of Brabant, depicted with red claws and tongue. This color represents the courage, passion and sacrifice of the Belgians over the centuries.

Together, these three colors represent not only the historical regions of Belgium, but also the country's fundamental values: unity in diversity, perseverance in the face of challenges, and commitment to freedom and democracy. Thus, the flag is a constant reminder of Belgium's rich and complex history and its development as a proud and sovereign nation.

It should be noted that although these colors are present in the coats of arms of certain Belgian regions, the flag itself does not favor any particular region. Rather, it serves as a unifying symbol, celebrating the harmonious coexistence of different cultures and identities in the country.

History of the Belgian flag

The history of the Belgian flag is closely linked to the formation and independence of Belgium as a state. Its origins can be traced back to the Belgian Revolution of 1830, which brought Belgium independence from the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

In the first days of the revolution, in August 1830, a red, yellow, and black flag was raised in Brussels in the appropriate sequence. These colors were arranged horizontally, inspired by the flag of the Brabant Revolution of 1789, which had the same colors but a slightly different sequence, namely red, black, yellow. However, this style soon changed to a vertical format, similar to the French flag, but with Belgian colors.

The colors themselves are derived from the coat of arms of the Duchy of Brabant, which depicts a golden (yellow) lion on a black background, with red claws and tongue. These colors were adopted as a symbol of revolution and independence.

The modern version of the flag with black, yellow, and red vertical stripes was officially approved on January 23, 1831. Since then, despite the country's political instability and language tensions, the flag has remained unchanged.