Canada

Adoption

Colors

Symbols & elements

Maple leaf

A Canadian emblem since the eighteenth century. Its eleven points have no botanical meaning: the shape was chosen in 1965 because it stayed legible when the flag was flapping in the wind.

Construction details

Proportions 1:2. Three vertical bands red, white, red in a 1:2:1 ratio: two red bands frame a white square. At the centre, a stylised red maple leaf with eleven points.

Construction sheet

Zoom

Specific rules — Canada

• 15 February is National Flag of Canada Day.
• The leaf always points upward; the flag is flown at half-mast during mourning.

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.

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