The flags of Monaco and Indonesia differ primarily in their proportions – Both have a red stripe at the top and a white stripe at the bottom, but officially, the Monegasque flag has an aspect ratio of 4:5, while the Indonesian flag has a 2:3 ratio. They also have slightly different shades of red and have completely different histories. Incidentally, both look like an upside-down Polish flag.
To sum it up
- The same scheme: two identical horizontal stripes - red on top, white on the bottom.
- Other proportions: Monaco 4:5 (almost square), Indonesia 2:3 (pure rectangle).
- Another story: The colours of Monaco are taken from the Grimaldi coat of arms, and the colours of Indonesia are taken from the traditions of the Majapahit kingdom.
- The Polish flag is the opposite of the Polish: Poland has white on top and red on the bottom, while Monaco and Indonesia have the opposite.
What is the difference between the flags of Monaco and Indonesia?
At first glance, they appear to be the same flag. The difference only becomes apparent when both flags are displayed side by side at the correct sizes. Flag of Monaco shorter and more "square" - with a height to width ratio of 4:5. Indonesian flag longer, with a ratio of 2:3, like most flags of the world.
In practice, this distinction is often blurred. The vexillology website Flags of the World notes that the flag of Monaco is increasingly, albeit unofficially, flown in a 2:3 ratio. In such cases, the only visual difference is shade of red : Monaco, among other things, calls its color Pantone 186 C, and when compared, the two flags are sometimes depicted in slightly different shades of red.
What does the flag of Monaco look like?
The flag of Monaco consists of two equal horizontal stripes: red at the top and white at the bottom . This description is contained in the constitution of the principality. The flag in this form was approved. April 4, 1881 by decree of Prince Charles III.
The flag's colors are much older than the flag itself. Red and white are the family crest. Grimaldi , used since at least the 14th century—they form a pattern of red and silver diamonds on a shield. In addition to the standard flag, Monaco also uses a version with the full coat of arms on a white background, which is displayed, among other places, in the Prince's Palace.
What does the Indonesian flag look like?
The Indonesian flag is called Sang Saka Merah-Putih ("Venerable Red-White"), or Merah Putih for short. It has a red stripe at the top and a white stripe at the bottom, in a 2:3 ratio. It was officially adopted August 17, 1945 , on the day of the declaration of independence, and its use is regulated by the constitution and Act No. 24 of 2009.
The tradition of using colors dates back to the Middle Ages - red and white are associated with the banner of the kingdom Majapahit . As a symbol of the national movement against Dutch rule, the flag appeared in Java as early as 1928. According to Sukarno, Indonesia's first president, red symbolizes courage and white symbolizes purity.
Comparison Chart: Monaco vs. Indonesian Flag
| Characteristic | Flag of Monaco | Indonesian flag |
|---|---|---|
| Location of stripes | Red on top, white on the bottom | Red on top, white on the bottom |
| Proportions | 4:5 (in practice it is 2:3) | 2:3 |
| Shade of red | Listed, among other things, as Pantone 186 C | Sometimes it is presented in a different tone. |
| Institution | April 4, 1881. | August 17, 1945 |
| The origin of flowers | The Grimaldi family coat of arms | Flag of the Kingdom of Majapahit |
| Name | Flag of the Principality of Monaco | Sang Saka Merah-Putih |
| Location of the country | Europe, Mediterranean coast | Southeast Asia |
The debate over the similarity of flags
When Indonesia declared independence, Monaco objected to its flag and demanded changes to its symbols. Indonesia refused, citing the centuries-old tradition of using red and white, dating back to the Majapahit era. The protest was unsuccessful, and both countries retained their flags unchanged.
Thus, the similarity is purely coincidental: both flags arose from independent, very ancient traditions—European dynastic heraldry and the symbols of the medieval kingdoms of the archipelago. Neither country modeled itself on the other.
The opposite flag to the Polish one – which country has a similar flag?
Polish flag It has a white stripe at the top and a red stripe at the bottom, in a ratio of 5:8. When upside down, it looks almost like the flag of Monaco or Indonesia—which is why these two countries figure in the "opposite flag of Poland" question.
No other country has a flag identical to the Polish one. Singapore It also has a similar color scheme—red on top, white on the bottom—but with a white crescent moon and five stars in the upper left corner, making it hard to confuse.
Flags of Morocco and Indonesia - Where did this error come from?
Many people write "flag of Morocco and Indonesia", confusing the names of Monaco and Morocco. However, Moroccan flag It looks completely different: it's a red flag with a green five-pointed star (pentagram) in the center. The only thing it has in common with the Indonesian flag is the color red.
How to distinguish the flag of Monaco from the flag of Indonesia?
- Please note the form: The short, almost square flag most likely belongs to Monaco; the classic rectangle with an aspect ratio of 2:3 most often represents Indonesia.
- Please note the coat of arms: The white flag with the Grimaldi coat of arms is the national flag of Monaco.
- Look at the context: Rally, Formula 1 Grand Prix or the port of Monte Carlo point to Monaco; the holiday on August 17th points to Indonesia.
- Please note the order of the colors: The white color at the top represents Poland, not Monaco or Indonesia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between the flag of Monaco and the flag of Indonesia?
Both have a red stripe at the top and a white stripe at the bottom. They differ in their proportions—Monaco's is 4:5, Indonesia's 2:3—a slight tint of red, and the origin of their colors: in Monaco, they are the colors of the Grimaldi family, while in Indonesia, they are the colors of the Majapahit kingdom.
What does the flag of Monaco look like?
The flag consists of two equal horizontal stripes: red at the top and white at the bottom, in the official proportions of 4:5. The flag was adopted on April 4, 1881, during the reign of Prince Charles III.
Which country's flag is located opposite the Polish one?
Monaco and Indonesia. Their flags are red at the top and white at the bottom, unlike the Polish flag. Singapore also uses similar colors, but its flag features a crescent moon and five stars.
Which country has the same flag as Poland?
No country has a flag identical to Poland's. The closest are the flags of Monaco and Indonesia, but their colors are reversed.
Is the Moroccan flag similar to the Indonesian flag?
No. The flag of Morocco is red with a green five-pointed star in the center. The flag of Monaco is often confused with the flag of Indonesia—the two countries' names sound similar.
See also
- How is Great Britain different from England?
- What is the difference between a country and a state?
- What is the difference between a state and a nation?
- What is the difference between a plan and a map?