The Flag of Croatia
The flag of Croatia consists of three horizontal stripes in red, white, and blue, which are the Pan-Slavic colors representing freedom and revolutionary ideals. At the center of the flag is the coat of arms of Croatia, consisting of a shield with a red and white checkerboard pattern, above which are five smaller shields that represent the historical regions of Croatia. This distinctive checkerboard, known as the šahovnica, has been a symbol of Croatian kings since at least the 10th century.
History of The Flag of Croatia
The current design of the Croatian flag was adopted on December 21, 1990, following the country's declaration of independence from Yugoslavia. The flag's colors and the coat of arms are deeply rooted in Croatia's history and symbolize the nation's heritage and sovereignty. The red, white, and blue stripes are inspired by the French Tricolor, reflecting the influence of the French Revolution and the Pan-Slavic movement of the 19th century, which promoted unity among the Slavic peoples. The šahovnica has been a national symbol for centuries, with its earliest recorded use dating back to 1495. Throughout Croatia's history, the design of the coat of arms and the flag itself have undergone various modifications, reflecting the turbulent history of the region and its struggle for independence. The introduction of the current flag marked a significant moment in Croatia's journey towards establishing its identity as a sovereign state in the modern world.