Belgium .be

Meaning of the Flag

The national flag of the Kingdom of Belgium is a tricolour consisting of three equal vertical bands displaying the national colours: black, yellow, and red. The colours were taken from the coat of arms of the Duchy of Brabant, and the vertical design may be based on the flag of France. === Military flags of Belgium === The flags of the Belgian Land, Air, and Naval Components represent their different branches in the Belgian military. Andrew's cross was derived from the Cross of Burgundy, which decorated the ensigns of the Belgian ships during the Burgondian rule.

Meaning of Flag Colors

Red, Yellow, Black

Flag History

1. 1789–1790
   The insurgents hastily replaced it with a tricolour of red, yellow, and black horizontal stripes (similar to the one used during the Brabant Revolution of 1789–1790 which had established the United States of Belgium) made at a nearby fabric store.
2. 1830
   

   In 1830, the flag, at that time non-officially, consisted of three horizontal bands, with the colors red, yellow and black.
3. 1831–present
   

   Current national flag, in use since 1831.

When Belgium was under the control of France, the French national tricolor was flown over the nation. However, when riots kicked off the beginning of the Belgian Revolution, insurgents replaced the flag with one of red, black and yellow stripes, which bore a resemblance to the flag used during the Brabant Revolution of the 18th century. Originally, the flag featured vertical stripes. However, this design was changed in 1831. It was later that year that the arrangement of colors was also changed and the flag that is still flown to this day was adopted on October 12, 1831.

Fun Facts

The flag of Belgium has a ratio of 13:15, which is unusual when compared to the dimensions of other national flags. As is common in other nations around the world, the national flag of Belgium takes precedence over other flags, including regional flags and the European flag.

Location