LATVIA

REPUBLIC OF LATVIA

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MILITARY & NAVAL ENSIGNS & FLAGS

Since 1990

Notes

The national flag of Latvia is a horizontal tricolor of red, white and red, with the central white stripe one-half the width of the red stripes. The unusual shade of red used has been variously described as "brick red," "carmine red" or "Latvian red." The flag was first adopted after Latvia achieved independence from Russia in 1919-20. It was abolished in 1940 when Latvia was annexed by the USSR, and readopted in 1990 when the country's independence was restored after the breakup of the Soviet Union.

The current Latvian naval ensign, which was also used between 1920 and 1940, displays the national colors in the form of a cross on a white field, while the naval jack with its additional diagonal cross suggests Russian influence. The service flag and ensign of the Border Guard is based on the naval ensign, but with a green field, green being the traditional Russian border guard branch color. The ensign for port authorities and the Harbor Police is the national flag with a white canton bearing crossed blue anchors.

Latvian military and naval appointment and rank flags are mostly based on the naval ensign. The insignia in the canton of the Minister of Defense's flag resembles the cap badge worn by troops of the Latvian Army during the 1920-40 period. The rank flags for admirals are similar in general design to those of the British Royal Navy but with the number of discs in the quarters increasing according to rank, which is the reverse of RN practice.

Flag Proportions: The Latvian national flag's official proportions are 1:2, but naval ensigns and flags (except pennants) are made in 2:3 proportions. The sole exception is the port captain/harbor police ensign, which is 1:2 like the national flag.

Adoption Dates: The Latvian national flag, naval ensign and jack were officially adopted in 1990. The naval and military rank and appointment flags were introduced over the next few years as the structure of the armed forces was finalized.