Poland Flag

Poland's national flag is made up of two horizontal stripes of equal width: one white and one red. Although white and red have been connected with Poland since the Middle Ages and were emphasized on royal banners, they were officially adopted as national colors in 1831.

They derive from the colors of the coats of arms of the two constituent states of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth: the White Eagle of Poland and the Pursuer of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, a white knight riding a white horse, both on a red shield.

For official usage abroad and at sea, a form of the flag with the national coat of arms in the middle of the white stripe is legally reserved. Poland's naval ensign is a similar flag with the addition of a white eagle.

The flag is permanently displayed on the buildings of the highest national authority, including the parliament and the presidential palace. On national holidays and other important events of national significance, various institutions and many Poles raise the national flag.

It is one of five flags that use the 5:8 ratio, the others being Argentina, Guatemala, Palau, and Sweden. Poland's flag is similar to those of Indonesia and Monaco, however they have a red stripe above the white stripe. Furthermore, many flags in Poland that are based on national designs include the national colors.