Flags of the world: facts and stories #6

Among the many types of flags in the world, vertical tricolors are among the most recognizable: three stripes arranged side by side, distinct colors, and a graphic balance that always works. But behind this apparent simplicity lie deep stories, often linked to revolutions, national identities, and mutual influences between countries.

The Flag of France

The French flag is probably the most famous vertical tricolor in the world. Blue, white, and red are not just colors: they represent the values of the French Revolution (liberty, equality, and fraternity).

One of its most interesting peculiarities is its role: after its introduction, many nations adopted similar structures, thus enhancing the vertical tricolor.

Curiosity 👉🏻🇫🇷 The French flag was first unfurled in 1789 during the French Revolution, which overthrew the monarchy and wrote the first Declaration of the Rights of Man.

The Flag of Italy

The Italian tricolor adopts the French structure but with different colors: green, white, and red. One of the most widespread interpretations links these colors to the landscape: green for the plains, white for the Alps, red for the blood shed for national unity.

Its characteristic is its strong presence in daily life: it is not only an institutional symbol but also a deeply rooted cultural, sporting, and identity element.

Curiosity 👉🏻🇮🇹 In 1861, the Italian flag was unfurled to celebrate the birth of Italy; compared to the current version, however, there was the Savoy coat of arms, which was removed when the country became a republic in 1946.

The Flag of Ireland

The Irish flag is a vertical tricolor that encapsulates a very powerful message. Green represents Catholics, orange represents Protestants, while the white in the middle is a wish for peace and unity between followers of the two religions.

It is a perfect example of how a flag can become a tool for reconciliation, going beyond mere geographical representation.

Curiosity 👉🏻🇮🇪 The Irish tricolor was unfurled in 1848 by the Young Ireland movement, led by revolutionary youths fighting for independence from the United Kingdom, and was inspired by the French one.

The Flag of Mexico

The Mexican tricolor adds a unique element: the central coat of arms with an eagle perched on a cactus, clutching a snake in its beak. This image derives from an ancient Aztec prophecy that indicates the founding of the capital Tenochtitlán.

The presence of the coat of arms makes this flag one of the most recognizable among vertical tricolors, combining simple structure and complex symbolism.

Curiosity 👉🏻🇲🇽 The tricolor of this flag takes inspiration from France's, a country that served as a model for Mexicans who fought for independence from Spain.

The Flag of Belgium

The flag of Belgium consists of three vertical stripes: black, yellow, and red. Unlike other tricolors, here the colors derive from the coat of arms of the Duchy of Brabant (a golden lion on black with red claws), which occupied Belgian territory until the mid-seventeenth century.

An interesting element is that, while resembling the German flag in colors, Belgium arranges them vertically and in a different order, demonstrating how small details can create completely distinct identities.

Curiosity 👉🏻🇧🇪 Unlike many national flags, the official shape is almost square, while the civil version is 2:3.

Choose Your Tricolor

Every variation of color or symbol tells something unique, making these flags among the most fascinating to observe. Whether for passion, collection, or decoration, vertical tricolors are among the most iconic and versatile flags.

👉 Discover the tricolor flags available in our shop and find the one that best represents your history, your values, or your style.