Flag of Cambodiaព្រះរាជាណាចក្រកម្ពុជា

What the flag looks like

The Cambodian flag consists of three horizontal bands — blue on the top and bottom, and a wider red band in the center — with a white depiction of Angkor Wat, the country's most famous temple complex, centered on the red band. The proportion is 2:3. The design was originally adopted in 1948 and readopted on 24 September 1993 after the restoration of the monarchy.

Colors and meaning

Blue represents the Cambodian monarchy and the country's rivers, red represents the Cambodian nation and the blood shed for independence, and the white depiction of Angkor Wat represents the country's Buddhist heritage, national identity and cultural heritage. Cambodia is the only country in the world with a building on its national flag.

Blue

Represents the Cambodian monarchy and the country's two great rivers — the Mekong and the Tonlé Sap — which are central to Cambodian life and agriculture. Blue also represents the sky and the King's authority.

Red

Represents the Cambodian nation, the courage and determination of the Cambodian people, and the blood shed during the long struggle for independence from France, achieved in 1953.

Angkor Wat

The white depiction of Angkor Wat is the national symbol of Cambodia and appears on the flag in the center of the red band. Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world, built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II. It represents Cambodian national identity, Buddhist heritage and cultural achievement. Cambodia is the only country whose national flag depicts a building.

White

Represents purity, peace and Buddhism — the dominant religion of Cambodia. The white color of Angkor Wat on the flag reflects the sacred and unifying role of the temple in Cambodian life.

History and adoption

Cambodia was a French protectorate from 1863 until 1953, when it gained independence on 9 November 1953. The national flag was adopted in 1948, during the final years of French rule, and featured the blue-red-blue bands with the white depiction of Angkor Wat. The design was retained after independence. In 1970, following a coup that installed the Khmer Republic, the flag was changed to a design with a blue field and three white stars representing Buddhism, monarchy and the republic. During the Khmer Rouge period (1975–1979), the flag was a red field with a yellow depiction of Angkor Wat. After the Vietnamese-backed People's Republic of Kampuchea (1979–1989), the flag was changed again, and after the restoration of the monarchy in 1993, the original 1948 design was readopted on 24 September 1993. It has remained unchanged since.

Key facts

Adopted

24 September 1993 (originally 1948)

Proportion

2:3

Designer

Based on the 1948 design

Capital

Phnom Penh

Country code

KH

Similar flags

None

Historical and related flags

Cambodia has used several flags across its colonial, independence, Khmer Rouge and modern periods.

• French Cambodia (1863–1948): French flag used during colonial rule.
• First national flag (1948–1970): Blue-red-blue with Angkor Wat, adopted before independence.
• Khmer Republic (1970–1975): Blue field with three white stars.
• Democratic Kampuchea (1975–1979): Red field with yellow depiction of Angkor Wat.
• People's Republic of Kampuchea (1979–1989): Red and blue bands with Angkor Wat and socialist elements.
• Current flag (1993–present): Original 1948 design restored.

Frequently asked questions

What does the flag of Cambodia look like?

The flag of Cambodia has three horizontal bands — blue on the top and bottom, and red in the center (twice as wide) — with a white depiction of Angkor Wat centered on the red band. The proportion is 2:3.

When was the flag of Cambodia adopted?

The current flag of Cambodia was officially adopted on 24 September 1993 (originally 1948).

What do the colors mean?

Blue represents the Cambodian monarchy and the country's rivers, red represents the Cambodian nation and the blood shed for independence, and the white depiction of Angkor Wat represents the country's Buddhist heritage, national identity and cultural heritage. Cambodia is the only country in the world with a building on its national flag.

Which flags look similar to the Cambodia flag?

No other national flag depicts a building. The combination of blue and red bands with Angkor Wat is completely unique among national flags.