🇲🇨

Flag of Monaco

Europe

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Quick Facts

Capital
Monaco
Flag adopted
1881
Population
38,423
Area
2.02 km²
Languages
French
Currency
euro (€) — EUR
Demonym
Monegasque
Government
constitutional monarchy
Subregion
Western Europe
Driving side
Right
Timezones
UTC+01:00

Religions

  • Roman Catholic 90%
  • Other 10%

About This Flag

The flag of Monaco consists of two equal horizontal bands of red on top and white on the bottom. The colors are drawn from the heraldic colors of the House of Grimaldi, the princely family that has ruled Monaco since 1297 when Francois Grimaldi, disguised as a Franciscan monk, seized the fortress.

The red and white have been associated with the Grimaldi dynasty for centuries. The flag was officially adopted on April 4, 1881, under Prince Charles III.

Monaco's flag is identical in design to Indonesia's flag — both feature red over white — with the only official difference being their proportions: Monaco's is 4:5 while Indonesia's is 2:3.

What the colors & design mean

Red and white are the heraldic colors of the Grimaldi dynasty, which has ruled Monaco since 1297. Red represents the bloodline of the ruling family and courage, while white symbolizes purity and peace.

red white

Pattern: Horizontal Stripes

Bordering countries (1)

🇫🇷 France

Fun Facts

  • Monaco's flag is identical in color and design to Indonesia's, differing only in proportions — this similarity has led to diplomatic friction, with Indonesia arguing its red-and-white flag predates Monaco's.
  • The House of Grimaldi has ruled Monaco since 1297, when Francois Grimaldi entered the fortress disguised as a Franciscan monk and seized it — a monk with a sword appears on Monaco's coat of arms to this day.
  • Monaco is the second-smallest country in the world (after Vatican City) at just 2.02 square kilometers, yet it has one of the highest population densities of any country.
  • Despite its tiny size, Monaco is famous for the Monte Carlo Casino, the Formula 1 Grand Prix, and having no income tax, making it a haven for the ultra-wealthy.

Similar looking flags

These flags share similar colors and patterns:

🇲🇨 Indonesia 🇲🇨 Singapore 🇲🇨 Austria 🇲🇨 Poland 🇲🇨 Bahrain

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