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The flag of Italy features three equal and vertical bands, making it a tricolor flag. The hoist side has a green band; white forms the center band; and the outer stripe is red. The red and white parts of the flag were borrowed from the official colors of the Milanese flag, and the green was added to
History of the Italian Flag:
The tricolor of Italy is believed to have been based on the French flag. Napoleon's troops brought the flag to Italy in 1797, and on January 7, 1797, the XIV parliament of the Cispadana Republic officially adopted the flag. With the integration of the Cispadana Republic and the Transpadana Republic, the tricolor became representative of the larger state. Though the Italian Republic, constituted in 1802, adopted a new flag, the tricolor survived as the official flag of the Kingdom of Sardinia and later in 1861 as the flag of the Kingdom of Italy, helping unify the nation. On these flags, however, the Savoy crown and shield were placed at the center of the tricolor. At the end of World War II, the Italian Republic officially adopted the plain tricolor flag on June 19, 1946. Since November 1947, the Naval Jack has been added to the civil and the naval ensigns to differentiate it from Mexico's flag.
Standard Specifications:
The aspect ratio of the Italian flag is 2:3. In 2003, the opposition leaders of Italy accused Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi of introducing changes to the colors of the flag. After much debate, the colors of the flag were defined and standardized in reference to the Pantone Matching System (PMS). The green used is "Fern Green" (Number 17-6153 TC), the white is "Bright White" (Number 11-0601 TC), and the red is "Flame Scarlet" (Number 18-1662 TC). These standards apply to flags produced on polyester bunting fabric.
Resemblance:
The flag of Italy resembles the flag of Mexico. The flag of Italy uses paler shades of red and green than those on the Mexican flag, which are deeper. The major difference between the two flags is their aspect ratios. While the Italian flag has a ratio of 2:3, the flag of Mexico has an aspect ratio of 4:7, making a longer rectangle. The coats of arms on the two naval flags are different to ensure easy recognition. Aside from the flag of Mexico, the Italian flag bears a close resemblance to the flag of Ireland. The flag of Ireland is also a tricolor featuring green, white, and a deep orange. The aspect ratio of the Irish flag is 1:2.
Flag Day:
Italy celebrates Flag Day each year on January 7.
ACOD~20120801
Last Update On : August 03, 2012
