Flag of Monaco

What the flag looks like

Two equal horizontal bands, red over white, in a 4:5 ratio.

What it means

Red and white are the heraldic colors of the House of Grimaldi, which has ruled Monaco since the 13th century.

How to remember it

Red over white like Indonesia, but Monaco's is the squatter, almost square one; flip it to white over red and you get Poland.

Fun facts

• Monaco's flag is identical to Indonesia's except for its proportions, and Monaco objected when Indonesia adopted its flag in 1945.
• Monaco is the world's second-smallest country after Vatican City.

Monaco at a glance

Capital

Monaco

Region

Western Europe

Population

38,631

Area

2 km²

Languages

French

Currency

Euro (€)

Flag adopted

1881

Flags often confused with Monaco

• Indonesia: Indonesia and Monaco are both red over white. Indonesia's flag is longer (2:3) while Monaco's is nearly square (4:5); Poland flips the colors, white over red.
• Poland: Monaco and Poland are both two bands of red and white. Monaco has red on top; Poland has white on top.
• Singapore: Monaco and Singapore are both red over white. Singapore has a white crescent and five stars in the upper hoist; Monaco's is plain and nearly square (4:5).