An inseparable symbol of a country represents its sovereignty and identity. It serves the function of uniting the people of the country and identifying them with a particular state entity.
History of the Austrian flag
The oldest of Europe’s flags. The national symbol has had a difficult road to recognition as official and indestructible.
According to legend, the appearance of this coloring of the sign of Austria associated with Duke Leopold of Babenberg. After the fierce battle of the duke at Accra with the Saracens in 1191, his military attire was soaked in blood, only under the belt remained a white stripe. The combination of colors impressed Leopold and he transferred them to the family standard.
The flag appeared in its present form in 1918, after the proclamation of the Republic of Austria. In 1919 it was officially approved. After the incorporation of the state into Germany in 1938, it was abolished. At the end of World War II it was restored again.
The symbol of the state, which is still officially in force today, was approved on April 27, 1984.
Description
The symbol of the state of Austria is represented in the form of a rectangular cloth, consisting of three horizontal equidistant stripes. In the legislation of the republic the proportions of the sides of the flag are not fixed and the ratio can be any, usually equal to 2:3. For this reason, it can be found in different widths and lengths.
Colors of the Austrian flag
There is red on the cloth – the two outermost bands and white in the center. The combination of these colors appeared in the deep Middle Ages.
Meaning of the colors of the flag
Each color in the tradition of heraldry has a certain meaning:
- The upper and lower red stripes symbolize the blood shed by the patriots who fought for the freedom and independence of Austria.
- The white symbolizes the freedom won by the Austrian people as a result of the overthrow of the monarchical regime in this country.
Synopsis. According to the approved official version, the white stripe symbolizes the Danube River, which crosses the territory of the Republic of Austria from west to east.
The Austrian flag is the national symbol of a great past, a glorious present and a bright future.
General information about Austria
| Official language | German
regional languages: Gradiscan-Croatian, Hungarian, Slovenian |
| Capital | Vienna |
| Territory | 83,879 km2 |
| Population | 8,711,770 people |
| Currency | Euro |
| Phone Code | +43 |
