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Flags that use the color combination of red, white and blue are popular around the world. The red, white and blue color scheme is aesthetically pleasing and has historical connections to revolution, democracy and liberty. Many countries adopted flags with red, white and blue to symbolize their struggle for freedom and hope for a better future. But exactly how many national flags feature this iconic color trio? Let’s take a closer look at flags using red, white and blue and which countries they represent.
Background on Red, White and Blue Symbolism
The colors red, white and blue gained popularity during the late 18th century, especially among nations involved in revolutionary struggles against monarchies. The red signified the blood spilled during the fight for liberty, the white symbolized purity and hope, and the blue represented vigilance, perseverance and justice.
The first national flag featuring red, white and blue was the Dutch flag, introduced in 1572 during the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule. This established the colors as a symbol of liberty and independence. In 1777, the newly formed United States adopted a flag with red and white stripes and white stars on a blue field. This cemented the red, white and blue color scheme as a representation of democracy and freedom from tyranny.
During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, many countries under monarchical rule fought for independence and modeled their new flags after the American and French designs featuring red, white and blue. The spreading use of these colors strengthened their connotation as a symbol of revolution and nationalism. Today, red, white and blue remain iconic colors representing the civic virtues of bravery, purity and justice.
Countries Using Red, White and Blue
| Country | Flag |
|---|---|
| France | Vertical triband of blue, white and red |
| United Kingdom | Red and white cross with blue field |
| United States | Red and white stripes with white stars on blue canton |
| Netherlands | Horizontal triband of red, white and blue |
| Russia | Horizontal triband of white, blue and red |
| Norway | Red field with blue Scandinavian cross and white outline |
| Iceland | Blue field with red Scandinavian cross and white outline |
| Serbia | Horizontal triband of red, blue and white |
| Slovakia | Horizontal triband of white, blue and red |
| Slovenia | Horizontal triband of white, blue and red |
| Croatia | Horizontal triband of red, white and blue with coat of arms |
| Cambodia | Horizontal triband of blue, red and blue with white emblem |
| Somalia | Light blue field with white star in center |
| Australia | Blue field with Union Jack and Commonwealth Star |
| New Zealand | Blue field with Union Jack and stars |
| Samoa | Red field with blue canton containing stars |
| Micronesia | Light blue canton with stars on dark blue field |
| Paraguay | Horizontal triband of red, white and blue with emblem |
The above table lists 20 independent countries that currently use red, white and blue on their national flags. The most common design is horizontal or vertical tribands featuring all three colors. Other designs incorporate the colors in different ways, such as the blue canton on the flags of the United States, Samoa and Micronesia. The red and blue may appear darker or lighter depending on the specific shades used.
British Colonies and Former Territories
Many former British colonies and territories also feature red, white and blue flags. As members of the British Commonwealth, these areas often incorporated elements of the British flag into their banners. Here are some examples:
| Country/Territory | Flag |
|---|---|
| American Samoa | Blue field with US flag in canton |
| Anguilla | Blue field with Union Jack and coat of arms |
| Bermuda | Red field with Union Jack in top left corner |
| British Indian Ocean Territory | Blue field with Union Jack and palm tree emblem |
| British Virgin Islands | Blue field with Union Jack and coat of arms |
| Cayman Islands | Blue field with Union Jack, coat of arms and lion |
| Cook Islands | Blue field with Union Jack and stars |
| Falkland Islands | Blue field with Union Jack and coat of arms |
| Gibraltar | Horizontal triband of white and red with badge on red |
| Montserrat | Blue field with Union Jack and coat of arms |
| Niue | Yellow field with Union Jack in canton |
| Pitcairn Islands | Light blue field with Union Jack and coat of arms |
| Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha | Blue field with Union Jack and coat of arms |
| Turks and Caicos Islands | Blue field with Union Jack and coat of arms |
These former and current British territories feature the recognizable red, white and blue Union Jack in various designs. Even as they gained independence, many retained the colors as a nod to their British cultural ties.
United States Territories
As a country whose flag is defined by red, white and blue, many territories of the United States also echo the colors in their banners. Examples include:
| Territory | Flag |
|---|---|
| Guam | Red field with coat of arms featuring US flag design |
| Northern Mariana Islands | Dark blue field with US flag in canton |
| Puerto Rico | Red, white and blue triband with coat of arms featuring US flag |
| US Virgin Islands | Blue field with US flag in canton |
The US flag design clearly influenced the choice of colors used on these territories’ banners.
Red, White and Blue in Other Flag Designs
Beyond independent states, several other unrecognized or self-declared nations also embrace the red, white and blue color scheme. Examples include:
| Area | Flag |
|---|---|
| Abkhazia | White field with horizontal red and green stripes |
| Cook Islands | Blue field with stars forming Southern Cross |
| Kosovo | Blue field with gold map outline and stars |
| Taiwan | Red field with blue canton and white sun |
| Transnistria | Horizontal triband of red, green and blue |
Additionally, several subnational flags and coats of arms feature red, white and blue, including those of:
– Many provinces and territories of Canada
– Every Australian state and territory
– US states like New York, Rhode Island and Pennsylvania
– Belgian regions like Flanders and Wallonia
– Spanish autonomous communities like Asturias and Ceuta
– Brazilian states like Pará and Pernambuco
So while not internationally recognized, these subnational banners demonstrate the ongoing popularity of the red, white and blue palette around the world.
Blue, White and Red Combination
Some countries display the same colors but with the different order of blue, white and red instead of red, white and blue. Most of these are former Soviet republics or Yugoslav republics. Here are a few examples:
| Country | Flag |
|---|---|
| Belarus | Horizontal triband of green, red and green |
| Kazakhstan | Light blue field with yellow sun and eagle |
| Kyrgyzstan | Red field with yellow sun and eagle |
| Tajikistan | Horizontal triband of red, white and green |
| Uzbekistan | Horizontal triband of blue, white and green with crescent and stars |
So while not in the exact order of red, white and blue, these countries also incorporate the same colors into their national flags.
Nations Without Red, White and Blue
Despite the popularity of red, white and blue designs, many countries opt for different color schemes on their flags:
| Country | Flag |
|---|---|
| Argentina | Triband of light blue and white |
| Brazil | Green field with yellow rhombus and blue circle |
| Chile | Horizontal triband of red and white with blue canton and star |
| China | Red field with yellow stars |
| Egypt | Horizontal triband of red, white and black with eagle |
| India | Horizontal triband of saffron, white and green with emblem |
| Jamaica | Diagonal cross of gold, black and green with gold emblem |
| Japan | White field with red sun |
| Mexico | Vertical triband of green, white and red with emblem |
| South Africa | Horizontal bands of red, white, blue, green and yellow |
While ubiquitous, red, white and blue is clearly not a requirement for a national flag. Many opt for colors representing local culture, geography, natural features or historical symbols. Flags come in a rainbow of color combinations.
Conclusion
Red, white and blue dominates flag design around the world. Based on the countries listed above, at least 23 independent nations currently feature some combination of these colors on their banners. When including former British territories, US territories and other subnational or unrecognized regions, the number is even higher.
The prevalence of red, white and blue stems from the historical influence of flags like those of the Netherlands, the United States, France and the United Kingdom. The symbolism of revolution, democracy and liberty resonated with many countries seeking independence. While alternatives exist, red, white and blue remains one of the most popular and recognizable color schemes for national flags. Looking at banners waving around the globe, it’s clear the popularity of this particular trio continues today.
