Thenational flag ofMonaco (French:drapeau national de Monaco) has two equal horizontal bands, of red (top) and white (bottom), both of which have been theheraldic colours of theHouse of Grimaldi since at least 1339. The presentbicolour design was adopted on 4 April 1881, underCharles III.
The ISO code for the flag of Monaco is MC, which produces the icon: 🇲🇨.
Monaco's original flag, which was similar to its currentprincely flag but bore an older version of itscoat of arms, was in use from the principality's early days (except during its annexation toFrance from 1793 to 1814) until the present, simpler design was adopted in 1881.
Another design (below), the banner of the state arms (lozenges in the Grimaldi family colours, in heraldic terms "lozengyaragent andgules"), was used at various times, particularly in the 17th century, as an unofficial flag and still appears in some royal photographs.[clarification needed] However, it has no designated use and does not represent any Monegasque official in particular.
The flag of Monaco is graphically similar to theflag of Indonesia, with differences in their dimension ratios (Monaco's at 4:5 and Indonesia's at 2:3), and the shade of red is darker for the flag of Monaco.[citation needed] Theflag of Poland is also similar to that of Monaco, but with the colours reversed – white on top and red on the bottom. Theflag of Singapore also has a similar design and colour, with the exception being a crescent with five stars at the upper left side.
Monaco's princely flag (or government flag) consists of the full achievement of thecoat of arms on a white background.[1][2] It is flown at thePrince's palace, government offices, in the presence of government officials, and as anensign on the Prince's yacht.
The personal standard of PrinceAlbert II consists of the Crown of Monaco over two opposing lettersA, on a white background. It is only used in his immediate presence, particularly on cars in which he travels. It is often seen with a gold fringe on the top, bottom and right, which is one-ninth the height of the white field.[citation needed]
Sources disagree as to theflag's usage. According toFlags of the World, it is; according to theWorld Flag Database, it is; and according to Whitney Smith'sFlags Through the Ages and Across the World (1975), it is.
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