Austria vs Latvia flag: how to tell them apart
Check the white stripe: Latvia's is half as wide as each red stripe and its red is darker, while Austria's three stripes are equal.
How to tell them apart
The red
Latvia uses carmine, a dark red with hints of brown and purple, #9D2235. Austria's red is Pantone 186 C, #C8102E.
White stripe
Latvia's white band is half the width of each red band, in proportions 2:1:2. Austria's three bands are all the same width.
Shape
Latvia's flag is 1:2. Austria's is 2:3.
Austria's state flag
Austria's state flag adds the coat of arms in the centre. Latvia's national flag is plain.
Why they look alike
Austria's flag comes from the arms of the Babenberg dynasty, and its first recorded use was in 1230. A chronicle records Latvia's red, white, red flag in the 13th century.
Both flags have a legend about a blood-stained cloth. Latvia adopted its flag in 1921; the Soviet government suppressed it after 1940, and Latvia brought it back on 27 February 1990.
Official colours and ratio
| Flag | Ratio | Adopted | Colours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austria | 2:3 | 1 May 1945 |
|
| Latvia | 1:2 | 15 June 1921, restored 27 February 1990 |
|
Questions
Which flag is older, Austria's or Latvia's?
Austria's flag has its first recorded use in 1230. Latvia officially adopted its flag in 1921.
What shade of red does Latvia use?
Latvia's digital red is #9D2235, which is Pantone 201 C, a dark carmine.
When did Latvia bring its flag back?
Latvia re-adopted its flag on 27 February 1990.
Bert's facts
- Austria: Austria is landlocked, yet it touches eight other countries.
- Latvia: Latvia shares land borders with four countries.
Quick quiz
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Sources
