Flag: Belgium 🇧🇪
Copy & Meaning

The flag of Belgium, a Western European country known for its chocolate, waffles, beer, and as the heart of the European Union. The flag consists of three vertical stripes of equal size: black on the hoist side, yellow in the middle, and red on the fly side. These colors derive from the medieval Duchy of Brabant's coat of arms, which featured a black lion on a yellow shield with red claws. The black represents strength and determination, yellow symbolizes generosity and prosperity, and red represents courage and the blood shed for independence.

The flag was adopted on January 23, 1831, shortly after Belgium gained independence from the Netherlands. The capital Brussels serves as the de facto capital of the European Union, hosting the European Commission and NATO headquarters. Belgium is globally famous for premium chocolate, Belgian waffles, French fries (which actually originated in Belgium), and an astonishing diversity of beers including Trappist ales. Famous Belgian artists include Rubens, Magritte, and the creator of Tintin.