Croatia

Adoption

Colors

Symbols & elements

Šahovnica and crown of shields

The red-and-white chequerboard has identified Croatia since the Middle Ages. Above it, five small shields form a crown representing the historic lands: the oldest known Croatian arms, Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Istria and Slavonia.

Construction details

Proportions 1:2. A horizontal tricolour of red, white, blue (Pan-Slavic colours), with the coat of arms at the centre. It combines a checkerboard of twenty-five red and white squares and, above it, a crown of five small shields for five historical regions.

Construction sheet

Zoom

Specific rules — Croatia

• The flag is honoured on 30 May (Statehood Day) and 25 June (Independence Day).
• The checkerboard is an omnipresent national emblem, notably in sport.

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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