Flags of Europe - Expert

Explication : The Moldovan blue-yellow-red with the coat of arms in the center is very similar to the Romanian flag. Moldova and Romania share a common cultural and linguistic heritage.

Explication : Adopted in 2004, the Montenegrin flag features a red background bordered in gold with a double-headed eagle. The design is inspired by the coat of arms of King Nicholas I of Montenegro.

Explication : The sun with 8 rays on a red background was adopted in 1995 after a diplomatic conflict with Greece over the Sun of Vergina, symbol of ancient Greek Macedonia.

Explication : Adopted in 1998, the flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina with its yellow triangle and stars is a compromise imposed by the international community after the Balkan War.

Explication : Adopted in 2008 upon the declaration of independence, Kosovo's flag shows the country's silhouette in yellow on a blue background. The 6 stars represent the 6 ethnic communities.

Explication : Monaco's flag (red over white) is identical to Indonesia's but with different proportions (4:5 for Monaco vs 2:3 for Indonesia). Officially adopted in 1881.

Explication : The Andorran blue-yellow-red tricolor bears the coat of arms in the center. The motto "Virtus Unita Fortior" means "United virtue is stronger." Andorra is a co-principality between France and Spain.

Explication : San Marino's white and light blue flag bears the republic's coat of arms. San Marino claims to be the oldest republic in the world, founded in 301 AD.

Explication : Liechtenstein's horizontal blue and red features a golden crown added in 1937. At the 1936 Berlin Olympics, it was discovered that its flag was identical to Haiti's!

Explication : The Georgian five-cross flag was adopted in 2004 during the Rose Revolution. It is inspired by medieval banners of the Kingdom of Georgia and Christian symbolism.

Explication : The Belarusian red and green flag with the traditional red and white ornament on the left side is unique in the world. The ornament is a traditional weaving pattern. Adopted in 2012.

Explication : The white and red Maltese flag bears the George Cross in the upper left corner. This cross was awarded by King George VI in 1942 for Malta's courage during World War II.

Explication : Liechtenstein added a golden crown to its flag in 1937 after discovering at the 1936 Berlin Olympics that its flag was identical to Haiti's. An embarrassing moment in Olympic history!

Explication : The Cypriot flag is unique: it shows the copper-colored silhouette of the island on a white background. Copper actually gets its name from Cyprus. The olive branches symbolize peace.

Explication : Greece opposed the Republic of Macedonia's use of the Sun of Vergina (16 rays), a symbol of ancient Greek Macedonia. A new 8-ray design was imposed as a compromise.