Are There More Red-White-Blue Flags?

Is it true that the majority of national flags consist of the colors blue, red, and white? Are these colors particularly over-represented, especially among European flags? Are there more flags featuring red, white, and blue than any other color combinations?

Every national flag has certain tasks today. It should preserve traditions, create identity, and unite the people. Most flags feature one of three colors: blue, red, or white. But are there more flags with all three colors? Surprisingly, this combination is much rarer in other contexts.

Colors And Their Meanings

Among all national flags, the combination of red, white, and blue is particularly common. But why do so many countries choose these colors? In Europe, this color scheme is especially prevalent, which has historical roots.

You have to look at three different groups historically in order to understand the relationships between the colors. The Netherlands’ flag, which originated back in the 16th century, is one of the oldest national flags that is in use until today. It originated from the Nassau colors white and blue and initially from orange, the color of the Orange people. Orange later became red because it is easier to see at sea. The national flag of France also belongs to this group. The French tricolor was created in 1794 from the Parisian colors blue and red and the white of the flag of the monarchy.

The second group includes the flags of the Pan-Slavic countries. These have their origin in the Russian flag and, in turn, in the flag of the Netherlands. According to legends, The Russian Tsar-Peter the Great, adopted the colors of the national flag of the Netherlands for his country. It was in a different order though – white, blue, and red. Most of the Pan-Slavic national flags are said to have originated from this like Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, etc.

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The third group represents the flag of Great Britain, known as the Union Jack. Created in 1801, it combines the flags of England, Scotland, and Ireland. The design reflects the crosses of all three countries through its colors.

List of countries with Red, White And Blue flags