Flags of Europe

European flags are dominated by three big design families: the Nordic cross, the horizontal tricolour and the Pan-Slavic red/white/blue. Once you know the families, most of the continent falls into place.

Quick answer

Europe's 40+ national flags mostly fall into Nordic crosses (Scandinavia), horizontal tricolours (Germany, Netherlands, Hungary), vertical tricolours (France, Italy, Ireland) and Pan-Slavic red/white/blue (Russia, Serbia, Slovakia).

Flags in this guide

Flag of Germany

Germany

Flag of France

France

Flag of Italy

Italy

Flag of Spain

Spain

Flag of United Kingdom

United Kingdom

Flag of Poland

Poland

Flag of Sweden

Sweden

Flag of Norway

Norway

Flag of Denmark

Denmark

Flag of Finland

Finland

Flag of Iceland

Iceland

Flag of Greece

Greece

Flag of Portugal

Portugal

Flag of Netherlands

Netherlands

Flag of Belgium

Belgium

Flag of Ireland

Ireland

Flag of Switzerland

Switzerland

Flag of Austria

Austria

Flag of Hungary

Hungary

Flag of Czechia

Czechia

Flag of Slovakia

Slovakia

Flag of Romania

Romania

Flag of Bulgaria

Bulgaria

The three big families

Nordic crosses cover Scandinavia. Horizontal tricolours dominate central and eastern Europe. Vertical tricolours spread from France's revolutionary design. Pan-Slavic red/white/blue links Russia, Serbia, Slovakia and Slovenia.

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Frequently asked questions

How many countries are in Europe?

There are around 44 sovereign states typically counted as European, each with its own national flag.

Related flag guides