Flag of Artsakh

What the flag looks like

Three equal horizontal stripes of red, blue and orange, broken by a white stepped chevron, like a carpet pattern, that is cut into the fly and points toward the hoist.

What it means

The red, blue and orange are the colors of Armenia; the white stepped arrow is said to stand for the region's separation from Armenia and its hope of union, and its shape echoes local carpet designs.

How to remember it

Artsakh took Armenia's red-blue-orange tricolor and cut a white zigzag arrow, like a carpet pattern, into the fly.

Fun facts

• The Republic of Artsakh was not recognized by any member state of the United Nations, including Armenia.
• After an Azerbaijani military offensive in September 2023, its leaders signed a decree dissolving the republic, and most of its ethnic Armenian population left for Armenia.

Artsakh at a glance

Existed

1991–2023

Flag used

1992–2023

Today

Part of Azerbaijan

Capital

Stepanakert

Region

1991–2023

Languages

Armenian

Currency

Armenian dram (֏)

Flag adopted

1992

Flags often confused with Artsakh

• Armenia: Artsakh and Armenia both have horizontal stripes of red, blue and orange. Armenia's flag is plain; Artsakh's has a white stepped arrow cut into the fly, pointing toward the hoist.