How many colors are on the Belgian flag?

The flag of Belgium is one of the national symbols of the Kingdom of Belgium, alongside its coat of arms and anthem. It features a rectangular design with a 13:15 ratio, consisting of three equal vertical stripes in black, yellow, and red. These colors were traditionally associated with the Duchy of Brabant. The flag's design is inspired by the French flag, although the origin of its proportions remains unknown.

The flag was officially adopted on January 23, 1831. Article 193 of the Belgian Constitution describes the flag, but it lists the colors in reverse order (red, yellow, black) compared to the current arrangement.

Although the official aspect ratio is 13:15, in practice, more elongated flags are often used, typically with a 2:3 ratio. Most Belgians would be surprised to learn that, by law, their flag should be nearly square.

The civil flag is also used by the Belgian armed forces, except for the navy.

The Belgian flag was a significant symbol during the Belgian Revolution and the War of Independence in 1830, although it looked different from the later approved version: it had three horizontal stripes (red, black, yellow from top to bottom) and was more elongated. A similar horizontal flag, red-yellow-black (top to bottom), was a symbol of the failed uprising against Austrian rule in 1789.