Three equal horizontal stripes—white at the top, green in the center, and red at the bottom—make up the Bulgarian Flag. After Bulgaria achieved independence from Turkey during the Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878), the flag was first used on April 16, 1879.
Officially, the flag was reinstated in 1991.
The Russian flag is the source of the white and red colors. The nation’s agriculture and greenery are symbolized by the color green.
| Official Name: | Republic of Bulgaria |
| Proportion: | 3:5 |
| Adopted on: | April 16, 1879 |
| Location: | South-eastern Europe bordered by Romania, Serbia and Macedonia, Greece and Turkey |
| Capital City: | Sofia |
| Major Cities: | Kurdzhali, Magdan, Sandanski, Razlog |
| Area: | 42,823 square miles |
| Population: | 7,364,570 |
| Currency: | Lev (BGN) |
| Official Language: | Bulgarian |
| National Anthem: | Dear Motherland |
| National symbol(s): | lion |
| National colors: | white, green, red |
| National anthem: | |
| Name: | “Mila Rodino” (Dear Homeland) |
| Lyrics/Music: | Tsvetan Tsvetkov RADOSLAVOV |
Historical Background
The current design of the Bulgarian flag was officially adopted on November 22, 1990, following the end of communist rule in Bulgaria. However, the design’s origin dates back to the late 19th century during the struggle for Bulgaria’s independence.
Design and Colors
The Bulgarian flag features three horizontal bands of equal width. From top to bottom, the colors are white, green, and red.
Symbolism of the Bulgarian Flag
Each element of the Bulgarian flag holds significant symbolism. The white color represents peace and freedom, symbolizing the nation’s aspiration for harmony and liberty. The green color symbolizes the fertility of Bulgaria’s land and the country’s natural wealth. The red color represents the courage and valor of the Bulgarian people, reflecting their willingness to defend their homeland.
Bulgarian National Day
Bulgarian National Day is celebrated on March 3rd each year, commemorating the day in 1878 when Bulgaria gained liberation from Ottoman rule. This day is marked by various celebrations, parades, and flag-raising ceremonies, showcasing the importance of the Bulgarian flag as a symbol of independence and national identity.