Bosnia and Herzegovina Flag: Meaning, Colors, History & Facts
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s flag has a blue field, a yellow triangle and a diagonal row of white stars. The current design was introduced in 1998 as a deliberately neutral symbol for the post-war state.
What does the flag look like?
The flag is blue with a large yellow triangle set slightly to the right of centre. A row of white five-pointed stars runs diagonally beside the triangle, including partial stars at the top and bottom edges.
What does the triangle mean?
Office of the High Representative material from 1998 states that the triangle represents Bosnia and Herzegovina’s three constituent peoples.
What do the stars and colors mean?
The yellow-gold color was described as the sun and a symbol of hope. The blue field and white stars were chosen to represent Europe.
Explore the triangle, stars and colors →
Why does the star row continue off the flag?
The partial stars at the top and bottom make the sequence appear continuous, giving the design a visual connection with the star symbolism used across Europe.
What is the official ratio?
The Law on the Flag specifies a rectangular flag with a 1:2 ratio.
How did the current flag develop?
Bosnia and Herzegovina originally used an independence-era fleur-de-lis flag. After the 1992–1995 war, an independent commission considered neutral designs that avoided exclusive ethnic symbolism.
When was the current flag adopted?
High Representative Carlos Westendorp selected the triangle-and-stars design in February 1998 after parliament failed to agree on a proposal.
Read the Bosnia and Herzegovina flag history →
How can you identify it?
Look for the asymmetric yellow triangle and diagonal white-star row on blue. No coat of arms or text appears on the national flag.
Bosnia and Herzegovina flag facts
| Colors | Blue, yellow, white |
|---|---|
| Main shape | Yellow triangle |
| Stars | Diagonal white row |
| Ratio | 1:2 |
| Current flag | 1998 |
