15 Flags With Red-Blue-Red Designs From Around the World

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There are only three national flags in the world—those of Belize, Laos, and Mongolia—are designed with a red–blue–red pattern. Other than the national symbols, the same color scheme can also be found in various other flags, including those of organizations, movements, and cities. In this article, I will showcase 15 different flags that feature the red–blue–red design, with special discussion given to the national flags of Laos, Mongolia, and Belize.

National Flags With Red-Blue-Red Patterns

1. Laos

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Banner of Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Laos is a landlocked country divided by the Mekong River, and its national flag depicts the nation’s geographical features and history. The design of the flag comprises red–blue–red horizontal stripes with a white circle in the center of the blue stripe.

The blue symbolize the river, while the two red stripes represent the land on either side that was stained with the blood of the people who sacrificed their lives for country’s freedom and independence.

The white circle represents the full moon shining over the Mekong River and its cultural importance in Buddhist Buddhism, the major religion of Laos. The natural phenomenon holds great significance in because many sacred events—including the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha—are believed to have taken place on full moon days.

2. Mongolia

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Banner of the State of Mongolia/Mongol Uls

The Mongolian flag is a vertical triband of red, blue, and red, with a yellow Soyombo symbol on the left red stripe. The red represents freedom, wealth, and progress, while the blue represents the sky.

The Soyombo is a national emblem based on the ancient Mongolian, Sanskrit, and Tibetan writing systems, known as the Soyombo script. Its name means “self-created sacred letters” in Sanskrit. It was used for Buddhist prayers and temple decoration.

On the national flag, the Soyombo represents Mongolia’s culture, beliefs, and history.

3. Belize

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Banner of Belize

The flag of Belize has a royal blue field with narrow red stripes at the top and bottom, with the national coat of arms displayed at the center. It is considered as the most colorful national flag in the world. It features 12 colors, including red, blue, white, and several others shown in the various elements of the coat of arms.
The blue and red symbolize the unity between the People’s United Party (PUP) and the United Democratic Party (UDP), the two major political parties of the nation. These colors reflect a combination of the colors found in both banner of the parties.

The Coat of Arms of Belize consists of a white circle that is depicted with various elements. One of the most prominent features is the pair of standing men, where one has a lighter skin tone and the other is with a darker one. These figures represent the European and African heritage of the Belizean citizens.

At the center of the coat of arms, there is a mahogany tree, together with various tools such as an axe and a saw. They serve to symbolize the importance of the country’s timber industry. A ship is also displayed, and it reflects the marine heritage of the country.

Below the circle, there is the national motto of Belize, “Sub Umbra Floreo,” which is inscribed and which means “Under the shade I flourish.”

Other Flags With Red-Blue-Red Patterns

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Kostroma Oblast, Russia – It is a federal subject of Russia. Its flag has a vertical red-blue-red stripes with a golden ancient ship at the center.

Municipality of Kostníky, Czech Republic – Each of its red stripes contains two diagonal white lines.

Federated States of Antarctica – The flag has seven white stars that represent the seven states of Antarctica: Bellinsgauzenia, New Swabia,  Alyeska, Palmer Land, Polaria, Victoria Land, and Amundsen.

Benátky nad Jizerou, Czech Republic – The flag features a grapevine, which represents the grape industry of the town.

Photo by Dahn, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Saxons from Heldsdorf, Brașov County, Transylvania, Romania – This militia banner was uses during the 1848–49 Hungarian Revolution.

Albanian Muslim Naval Flag – It was used during the Ottoman Empire.

Army Flag of Myanmar – The Myanmar Army flag has a design similar to that of the Myanmar national flag, with the main difference being the colors of the stripes. The Army flag features red-blue-red stripes, while the national flag consists of yellow, green, and red stripes.

Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic – It was used by Kazakhstan between 1953 and 1991 when it was part of Soviet Union (USSR).

Barisan Revolusi Nasional – They are a rebel group in Malaysia and Thailand.

Downey, California, United States of America – The city flag of Downy features the city’s seal which shows some of its notable infrastructures representing residential life and the industry.

Graeco-Ottoman Ensign – The flag of the Graeco-Ottoman Empire is simply comprised of three horizontal stripes arranged in the pattern red–blue–red. The red stripes represent the Ottoman Empire, while the blue stripe symbolizes Greece.

United Nationalities Federal Council – Like the other flags on the list, the flag of this coalition of five opposition groups in Myanmar is composed of red–blue–red stripes, with the only difference being three horizontal stars placed across the blue stripe.

Sources of Information

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