Flag of Bulgaria

Flag of Bulgaria

Overview

Country Bulgaria
Adopted 1879
Aspect ratio 3:5
Colors
(3)
Elements Horizontal stripes

Description

The national flag of Bulgaria consists of three equal horizontal stripes arranged from top to bottom. These bands are colored white, green, and red, forming a rectangular field with an aspect ratio of 3:5. No additional symbols or emblems are present on the current civil and state version of the flag.

Symbolism

White represents the pursuit of peace and the concept of freedom. The middle green stripe symbolizes the fertility of the Bulgarian soil and the nation's vast forests and agriculture. Red is utilized to commemorate the valor of the Bulgarian people and the blood shed during the historical struggle for independence. Collectively, these colors reflect the natural landscape and the resilient character of the nation's history.

History

Following the liberation of the country from Ottoman rule, the Turnovo Constitution officially adopted the tricolor design in 1879. Although based on the Russian pan-Slavic colors, the central blue stripe was replaced with green to reflect Bulgaria's status as an agricultural power. During the socialist period from 1947 to 1990, the state coat of arms was added to the upper hoist side of the white stripe. The current plain tricolor was re-established after the fall of the communist regime and confirmed by the 1991 constitution.