Red, Yellow and Black Flags

Which countries have red, yellow and black flags?

Germany has three horizontal stripes of black, red and gold. Belgium has vertical black, yellow and red bands, so it is easy to confuse with Germany at first glance. The quick check is direction and order: Germany is horizontal, with black on top, while Belgium is vertical, with black on the hoist side.

Angola has a red stripe over a black stripe, with a yellow half gear, a machete and a star in the center. Papua New Guinea has a diagonal split between a red triangle holding a yellow bird of paradise and a black triangle with the Southern Cross. East Timor has a red field with a yellow triangle and a black triangle pointing at its center.

Many more flags contain these three colors with others, including Uganda, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Brunei, Dominica, Guyana, Mozambique, Eswatini, St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda and Vanuatu.

Why are red, yellow and black so common on flags?

The German colors go back to the Napoleonic wars and the uniforms of the Lützow Free Corps. They became a symbol of unity and liberty in 1848, and the black-red-gold flag was adopted in 1919 and again after 1949. Belgium's colors come from the arms of the Duchy of Brabant, a gold lion on black with red claws and tongue.

In Africa, red, black and yellow are part of the wider Pan-African palette. Angola's red stands for the blood shed in the fight for independence, and black for the continent. Red, black and gold are also easy to see against each other, which makes them popular in flags that need strong contrast.

How can you tell these flags apart?

Check three things: direction, order and emblem. Germany and Belgium have plain bands and no emblem. Angola has a gold gear and machete, Papua New Guinea has a diagonal split, and East Timor has two triangles. If you see a coat of arms on a red, yellow and black flag with vertical bands, check the grid above, since some national flags change their emblem over time.