The Flag of Belgium

The flag of Belgium was adopted shortly after the country gained its independence from the Netherlands in 1830. The original Belgian flag, hoisted during the revolution, had horizontal stripes, but was changed to its current vertical layout in 1831 to distinguish it from the Dutch flag. The flag's colors, black, yellow, and red, are symbolic of the country's struggle for independence, representing the coat of arms of the Duchy of Brabant. Over the years, the flag has become a strong symbol of national pride and unity for the Belgian people.