Flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina

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Flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina represents the country of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was adopted on February 4, 1998, replacing the previous flag that was used since the country's independence in 1992. The flag features a blue field with a yellow right triangle adjacent to the hoist side, and seven full five-pointed white stars and two half stars top and bottom along the hypotenuse of the triangle.

Design and Symbolism

The flag's design is a combination of national and universal symbols. The blue background represents peace and hope, echoing the flag of the United Nations. The yellow triangle symbolizes equality among all the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the three points of the triangle stand for the three constituent peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs. The stars, inspired by the flag of the European Union, signify Europe and the country's aspiration towards European integration. The infinite line of stars also suggests the continuity of the state and its unity.

History

The flag was introduced as part of the efforts to provide a neutral or non-ethnic symbol in the aftermath of the Bosnian War, which lasted from 1992 to 1995. The previous flag, used by the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, was closely associated with the Bosniak ethnic group and thus was not acceptable to the other ethnic groups within the country. The current flag was chosen by the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Carlos Westendorp, after the Bosnian parliament failed to agree on a new design within the deadline set by the international community.

Controversies

The adoption of the current flag was not without controversy. Some political representatives of the Bosniak, Croat, and Serb communities expressed dissatisfaction with the flag, arguing that it failed to adequately represent the country's cultural and ethnic identity. Despite these controversies, the flag has been the official national symbol since 1998.

Usage

The flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina is used in a variety of contexts, both within the country and internationally, to represent the nation. It is flown on government buildings, used in the branding of national events and teams, and is seen during international diplomatic occasions. The flag also plays a central role in national holidays and ceremonies, embodying the country's identity and unity.

See Also

• National symbols of Bosnia and Herzegovina
• History of Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Bosnian War