Flag Proportions and Sizes

Flag Proportions and Sizes:
From Vexillology to International Protocol

Each national flag is a unique symbol that reflects the history, values, and identity of its people. However, when it comes to international interactions, these differences can become a source of protocol complications. In this article, we will take a closer look at how flag aspect ratios have become not just a vexillological feature, but an important element of diplomatic etiquette. We will delve into historical examples, analyze how different eras and events have shaped the rules, and see why standardizing flag sizes is not a technical whim, but a key aspect of international mutual respect.

Variety of National Standards

The world of vexillology (the science of flags) is surprisingly diverse. There is no universal standard, and each country sets its own rules. Here are the most common examples:

2:3 is the most popular standard: This ratio is used by most countries in the world, including France, Germany, Italy, China, Japan and many others. It is considered classic and the most balanced.
1:2 — British tradition: This ratio, which came from British maritime affairs, is now used in many Commonwealth countries, such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, as well as Finland and Greece.
10:19 — uniqueness of the USA: The flag of the United States has a unique aspect ratio, enshrined in the 19th century. This emphasizes its historical peculiarity.
1:1 — square flags: Only two countries in the world have square flags — Switzerland and Vatican City. This feature symbolizes their neutral status and independence.
Non-rectangular Flag of Nepal: The flag of Nepal is unique in that it consists of two superimposed triangles, symbolizing the Himalayas and the country's main religions. It is the only non-rectangular national flag in the world.

This diversity reflects the cultural and historical characteristics of each country, but it also creates difficulties when flags of different countries need to be placed next to each other.

The Problem of Visual Equality

In the world of diplomacy and international relations, everything matters. Flag placement is no exception. If one country's flag appears noticeably larger or smaller than the others, it can be perceived as a sign of superiority or disdain. Incorrect proportion or size can cause a diplomatic scandal.

Historically, there have been cases where countries have lodged official protests because their flag was "visually inferior" to their neighbors at international summits or exhibitions. To avoid such conflicts, a special diplomatic protocol was developed. It is aimed at creating visual equality between all participants of the event.

International practice: unification and protocol

To solve this problem, international organizations such as the UN, NATO, and the European Union use a single standard.

The principle of unification: At most international events, regardless of national standards, flags are made in the same proportion — 2:3. This allows all the panels to have the same height and look harmonious.
Standard sizes: Standard sizes are commonly used, such as 3x5 feet (91x152 cm) for indoor flags and 4x6 feet (122x183 cm) for outdoor events. This makes logistics and production easier.
Adapting exceptions: The Swiss and Nepalese flags retain their unique shape, but their height is adjusted to the 2:3 standard. This allows them to appear proportional in the row.

Order of flags

The protocol rules concern not only the size, but also the order in which the flags are hung.

UN: The flags of the participating countries are arranged in English alphabetical order. This is the most neutral way, eliminating any disputes about precedence.
Bilateral Meetings: In negotiations and meetings between two countries, the "right of honor" rule applies. The host's flag is on the left side of the spectator, and the guest's flag is on the right side.va.
Equal height and level: All flags are always placed on the same flagpoles and at the same height. Any distortion can be regarded as an unfriendly gesture.

Evolution of flags and the emergence of protocols

The use of flags goes back to ancient times, but as symbols of states they finally took shape in the New Age. At first, their sizes and proportions were not strictly regulated, but depended on the place of use: large ones for fortresses, small ones for ships.

Naval vexillology: The first clear rules appeared at sea. In the 18th-19th centuries, when fleets became a symbol of state power, the need for unification arose. The flagship had to be recognizable and its flag had to dominate, but at the same time a common system was needed for naval parades and international meetings. It was during this period that proportions such as 1:2 were established, which were convenient for waving in the wind and were adopted, for example, by the British Royal Navy.
The first diplomatic incidents: As early as the 19th century, at the first international exhibitions and conferences, embarrassments arose. For example, at the World Exhibition of 1851 in London, representatives of some countries expressed dissatisfaction when their flags were visually inferior in size to the flags of larger powers. This became one of the first warning signs indicating the need for protocol rules that would guarantee equality.

Historical Examples and Their Meaning

The US Flag Proportion (10:19): When President William Taft signed the US Flag Proportion Act in 1912, he adopted a very unusual ratio of 10:19. This decision was dictated not so much by aesthetics as by practical considerations: the flags had to be easy to produce and comply with military and naval regulations. This unique ratio has become part of the American identity, but it also clearly demonstrates how national standards can conflict with international ones.
Switzerland and the Vatican — the symbolism of the square: The Swiss flag became square back in the 19th century, and its proportions were officially established in 1889. This format symbolized the country's neutrality and uniqueness. When the Vatican adopted its flag with a 1:1 ratio in the 20th century, it also emphasized its special status. These flags are a clear example of how symbolism is sometimes more important than universality.
Nepal is an exception to all rules: The flag of Nepal has deep historical roots. Its shape symbolizes the two main peaks of the Himalayas and the dynasties of rulers. When the country joined the UN, the question arose of how to hang this flag together with rectangular ones. It was decided to keep its unique shape, but at the same time strictly ensure that its height corresponds to the height of the other flags. This showed that international protocol is ready to make concessions for the sake of preserving a unique national identity.

20th Century: Consolidating Rules at the Global Level

League of Nations: After the First World War, with the creation of the League of Nations, the issue of flag unification became even more pressing. Although strict regulations did not yet exist, there were already attempts to create a visually harmonious environment.
United Nations (UN): It was with the emergence of the UN after the Second World War that the principle of visual equality was finally consolidated. It was decided that all flags of member countries should be hung at the same height and in the same proportion, so that no country would look more dominant. The most common proportion was chosen - 2:3. This decision became the key to all modern diplomatic protocol.

Modern Practice

The principle of unification, which was enshrined by the UN, was adopted by other international organizations.

European Union (EU): EU summits and official events also use a single flag format, despite the fact that member states may have different national standards. This emphasizes the unity and solidarity of the union.
NATO: The North Atlantic Alliance has strict rules on the size and placement of flags so that each member of the Alliance is represented equally.
Olympic Games: At the opening and closing ceremonies of the Games, as well as at the award ceremonies, all flags of the participating countries are brought to a single format. This emphasizes the idea of sports equality and fair competition.

More details on the UN, EU and NATO protocol

United Nations (UN) Protocol

The UN Flag Protocol is one of the strictest and most influential in the world. It serves as a model for many other international structures.

The principle of equality. The main principle of the UN is the sovereign equality of all its members. To symbolically express this principle, the flags of all member states must look absolutely identical.
Universal proportion. The officially established proportion is 2:3. All countries, regardless of their national standard, are required to provide flags in this ratio for hanging at the headquarters in New York and at other UN facilities. This rule applies even to countries with unique proportions, such as the United States (10:19) or the United Kingdom (1:2).
Alphabetical order. The flags are arranged in strict English alphabetical order of the names of the member countries. This method eliminates any possibility of disputes about precedence or hierarchy.
Exceptions. The flags of Switzerland and the Vatican (as a permanent observer) retain their square shape, but their height is adjusted to match the height of the other flags. The flag of Nepal retains its unique non-rectangular shape, but must also be adjusted to match the overall height.
UN flag. The flag of the organization itself is displayed separately or in the center of the row, symbolizing its coordinating role.

European Union Protocol (EU)

The EU Protocol reflects the desire for integration and unity, while preserving national characteristics.

Common rules. At official summits and meetings of the European Council, all flags of member states are flown in a uniform format. As in the UN, the proportion 2:3 is used. This rule is observed even if a country, for example Denmark, officially has a different proportion.
Order. The flags of EU member states are arranged in alphabetical order of the names of the countries in the language of the country holding the presidency or in English.
The EU flag. The flag of the European Union is usually placed either in the center of the composition or on a separate flagpole, symbolizing common belonging to union.
Bilateral meetings. In meetings between EU representatives and a third country, flags are flown according to standard diplomatic protocol: the EU flag and the flag of the other country.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Protocol

NATO protocol places great emphasis on demonstrating unity and strength.

Common format. NATO member countries have standardized their flag sizes to ensure that they all look the same. For example, 150 x 225 cm is often used.
Alphabetical order. The flags are arranged in English alphabetical order according to their names member countries.
A symbol of unity. The NATO flag is usually displayed in the center or on the side, emphasizing the idea of collective security and unity of all allies.
Ceremonies. During military ceremonies and official events, each flag is displayed with equal distance between them, so as not to create the impression that one member of the Alliance is more important than another.

Why are these protocols important?

The principles laid out in the UN, EU and NATO protocols are fundamental to diplomacy. They ensure visual equality, which in turn promotes political equality. Unifying flags is not just an aesthetic decision, but a way to avoid unnecessary disputes, to strengthen mutual respect and demonstrate a willingness to cooperate on equal terms.

The history of flag proportions and sizes is not just a boring vexillological fact. It is the history of diplomacy, the struggle for equality and the development of international protocol. From naval battles to global summits, from embarrassing exhibitions to strict UN rules, this path shows how visual harmony has become an integral part of political and cultural interaction. On the international stage, despite all the diversity of national traditions, all flags are the same, which symbolically emphasizes the principle of equality of all countries in the world.