
Flag index
Albania
Verdict:
Continent:
Europe
Name:
Use:
Proportion:
Adoption:
No Official Name
National Flag
5:7 (officially 1:1,4)
1992
Design
The Albanian flag has stayed mostly the same for over a hundred years. It features a black double-headed eagle on a red background.

Reason for Verdict
-
Keep It Simple. The flag should be so simple that a child can draw it from memory…​
-
Use Meaningful Symbolism. The flag’s images, colors, or patterns should relate to what it symbolizes…​​
-
Use 2 or 3 Basic Colors. Limit the number of colors on the flag to three which contrast well and come from the standard color set…
-
No Lettering or Seals. Never use writing on any kind or an organization’s seal…
-
Be Distinctive or Be Related. Avoid duplicating other flags, but use similarities to show connections…​
Detailed Explanation
-
The complexity of the eagle design sets it back in the first category, even though it is a fantastic design.
-
The red symbolize valor, bravery and strength while the black eagle stand for Albanian independence. The black eagle on a red background has been a part of the Albanian peoples for over five-hundred years, having it's origin in the mid 15th century and being a central figure in their fight against the invading Ottoman forces.
-
The country has a unique flag, being only slighly similar to the flag of Montenegro, and it looks great for it.
​
Flag History

Used by Albanian Nationalists
(ca. 1870 - 1912)

Independent Albania (1912 - 1914)

Alt. flag of Independent Albania (1912)

Principality of Albania (1914 - 1920)

De facto flag of PoA (1914 - 1915)

Principality of Albania and Albanian Republic
(1920 - 1924/25)

Albanian Republic (1926 - 1928)

Albanian Kingdom (1928 - 1939)

Albanian Kingdom
under Italy
(1939 - 1943)

Albania under
German Occupation
(1943 - 1944)

Democratic Government of Albania (1944 - 1946)

People's Socialist Republic of Albania (1946 - 1992)
Source: Portlandflag.org, Wikipedia.org, Geography Now on Youtube.com