Flag of MontenegroЦрна Гора / Crna Gora

What the flag looks like

The Montenegrin flag consists of a red field with a narrow golden-yellow border on all four sides and the Montenegrin coat of arms in the center. The coat of arms features a golden double-headed eagle with a crown, holding a scepter and an orb, with a shield on its chest bearing a golden lion on a green field. The proportion is 1:2. It was adopted on 13 July 2004, two years before Montenegro gained independence from its union with Serbia.

Colors and meaning

Red represents the blood shed for Montenegrin independence and the courage of the Montenegrin people, and the golden border and eagle represent the country's sovereignty, historic royal heritage and its long struggle for freedom. The golden lion on the shield is the traditional heraldic symbol of the Montenegrin ruling dynasties.

Red field

Represents the blood shed by Montenegrin patriots in the centuries-long struggle against the Ottoman Empire and in the more recent fight for independence. Red has been the traditional color of Montenegrin banners since the medieval period.

Golden border

Represents the sovereignty of Montenegro and is a traditional feature of Montenegrin flags. The golden border appeared on the historic flag of the Prince-Bishopric of Montenegro and was retained in the modern design.

Golden double-headed eagle

The double-headed eagle is a traditional symbol of the Montenegrin ruling dynasties, the Petrović-Njegoš and later the Karađorđević families. It represents the unity of church and state and Montenegro's historic ties to the Byzantine and Serbian Orthodox traditions. The crown above the eagle represents the historic monarchy of Montenegro.

Lion on shield

The golden lion on a green field on the eagle's chest is the oldest heraldic symbol of Montenegro, used since the 14th century. The lion represents courage, strength and royal authority.

History and adoption

Montenegro has a long history as an independent principality and kingdom before joining the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (later Yugoslavia) in 1918. The historic Montenegrin flag was a red field with a golden border and the golden double-headed eagle of the Petrović-Njegoš dynasty. After World War II, Montenegro became a republic within socialist Yugoslavia and used the Yugoslav flag with a red star. After Yugoslavia dissolved in the 1990s, Montenegro remained in a union with Serbia, and in 2004 the Montenegrin parliament adopted the current flag — restoring the historic red field with golden border and the double-headed eagle. On 3 June 2006, Montenegro declared independence after a referendum, and the 2004 flag was retained as the national flag of the new state. It has remained unchanged since.

Key facts

Adopted

13 July 2004

Proportion

1:2

Designer

Based on the historic Montenegrin royal flag

Capital

Podgorica

Country code

ME

Similar flags

Serbia, Albania

Historical and related flags

Montenegro has used several flags across its principality, kingdom, Yugoslav and independence periods.

• Prince-Bishopric of Montenegro (1696–1852): Red field with a white cross and the Montenegrin coat of arms.
• Principality of Montenegro (1852–1910): Red field with a white cross and the golden double-headed eagle.
• Kingdom of Montenegro (1910–1918): Red field with the royal coat of arms and golden border.
• Yugoslav Montenegro (1918–1941): Yugoslav flag used.
• SR Montenegro (1945–1992): Yugoslav flag with a red star and Montenegrin emblem.
• FR Yugoslavia (1992–2003): Same design retained.
• Serbia and Montenegro (2003–2006): Same design retained.
• Current flag (2004–present): Historic red field with golden border and double-headed eagle.

Frequently asked questions

What does the flag of Montenegro look like?

The flag of Montenegro is a red field with a narrow golden border on all sides, and the Montenegrin coat of arms — a golden double-headed eagle bearing a shield with a golden lion on a green field — in the center. The proportion is 1:2.

When was the flag of Montenegro adopted?

The current flag of Montenegro was officially adopted on 13 July 2004.

What do the colors mean?

Red represents the blood shed for Montenegrin independence and the courage of the Montenegrin people, and the golden border and eagle represent the country's sovereignty, historic royal heritage and its long struggle for freedom. The golden lion on the shield is the traditional heraldic symbol of the Montenegrin ruling dynasties.

Which flags look similar to the Montenegro flag?

Serbia uses a red-blue-white tricolor with a white double-headed eagle. Albania uses a red field with a black double-headed eagle. Montenegro's red field with a golden border and a golden double-headed eagle is distinct from both.