Liechtenstein

File:Flag of Liechtenstein.png

Liechtenstein
Flag of Liechtenstein
Adopted	30 June 1982
Wikipedia article
Flags of the World article

Liechtenstein, officially the Principality of Liechtenstein (German: Fürstentum Liechtenstein), is German-speaking microstate in the Central European Alps.

Description

The flag of Liechtenstein consists of two horizontal blue (top) and red bands charged with a gold crown in the canton.

Symbolism

Blue is for the sky, red is for the evening fires in homes, and the crown stands for the unity of the people and their Prince.

Variants

3:5

2:3

Pennant

Vertical

History

Liechtenstein was formed in 1719 as a principality within the Holy Roman Empire and gained complete independence in 1866. Within this period, the colours blue and red were selected to feature on the flag, instead of the gold and red on the coat of arms that would have customarily been employed instead. These new livery colours were first utilized by Prince Joseph Wenzel I in 1764. A new constitution for the Principality was formulated and proclaimed in October 1921. It made the blue and red banner the national flag by granting it "official status". Fifteen years later, during the 1936 Summer Olympics, the country came to the realization that its flag was identical to the flag of Haiti (Haiti took part in the Opening Ceremony but its sole athlete did not compete). Because of this finding, the government added the prince's crown to the canton. This change served two purposes – to signify Liechtenstein's position as a principality, and to distinguish its flag from Haiti's. This modified design was adopted on 24 June 1937.

Historical Flags

Flag of Liechtenstein 1719–1852

Flag of Liechtenstein 1852–1921

Flag of Liechtenstein 1921–1937

Flag of Liechtenstein 1937–1982