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Belgium

Europe

Quick Facts

Capital

Brussels

Population

11.6M

Area

30,528 km²

Density

380 /km²

Median age

41.7 yrs

Description

Adoption

1830-1831 (independence)
1831 (switch to the vertical black-yellow-red layout, 195 years)

Designed byOrigin: the colours of the arms of the Duchy of Brabant (a gold lion with red tongue and claws on a black field). The vertical layout is inspired by the French flag. No single designer.

Design & Symbolism

Specs plus what each color and emblem means on this flag — tap an element to reveal its meaning.

Proportions

13:15

Shape

Rectangular

Colors

Black#000000

Black comes from the field of the Brabant coat of arms.

Yellow#FDDA24 · Pantone 116 C

Yellow (gold) represents the Lion of Brabant.

Red#EF3340 · Pantone 032 C

Red comes from the lion's tongue and claws.

Construction details

Proportions: 13:15 (an almost-square flag, a rare case). On a 15 × 13 grid, three equal vertical bands 5 wide: black (hoist), yellow, red.

Construction sheet

Etiquette & protocol

How the flag should be used and displayed with respect.

Specific rules — Belgium

The flag is honoured on 21 July, National Day.
It flies on public buildings and at official ceremonies.

Common conventions

Keep the flag clean and never let it touch the ground.
Never fly a torn or faded flag — repair or replace it.
Illuminate the flag if it stays up at night.
Never use the flag as clothing, packaging or advertising.
Dispose of a worn flag respectfully, not in the trash.

Did you know?

It is one of the few nearly square national flags (proportions 13:15).

Test your knowledge!

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