The state symbol - the flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina - was officially approved in February 1998. Its author was Carlos Westendorp.
Description and proportions of the flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina
The flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina has a classic rectangle shape. Its length relates to width according to a 2: 1 ratio. The main field of the flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina is bright blue. On the blue field of the flag there is a golden right-angled triangle, the apex of which is directed downwards, one of the legs runs along the upper edge of the flag, and the second is the border between the fourth part of the free edge of the blue color and the rest of the panel. Along the hypotenuse of the triangle, seven whole five-pointed stars and their two halves are drawn in white in white.
The blue color on the flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina is a tribute to the UN, which played a significant role in restoring peaceful life in the country and gaining independence. The stars on the banner symbolize the countries of the united Europe, and the triangle reminds of the peaceful existence of three ethnic groups on the territory of the country - Serbs, Bosnians and Croats. In addition, the contours of the country on the political map of the world also resemble a triangle.
The national flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina is used on land for all purposes and in accordance with the law on the national flag of the country.
History of the flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina
The original flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina, adopted shortly after the announcement of the republic's secession from the SFRY, looked different. On a white rectangular field, a blue heraldic shield with gold edging was applied. It was divided by a slanting white stripe from left to right and top to bottom. There were three heraldic lines to the right and left of the stripe. Today, such a flag is used by the country's Muslim organizations and football fans.
Even earlier, as part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Bosnia and Herzegovina had a red flag. In its upper corner, at the shaft, there was a small tricolor, separated from the general field by a gold stripe. On the flag, the colors were arranged from top to bottom in the order: blue, white, red, and in the center of the flag was a red five-pointed star with a gold outline.
An alternative to Carlos Westendorp's design for the flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina was a blue flag with thin yellow and white stripes intersecting in a triangle. However, it was not passed by the parliamentary majority.
