Latvia

The Latvian flag is an ancient red-white-red banner recorded in connection with a Latvian militia in 1279 and later revived in the 19th century as a national symbol. It first flew as the state flag on 18 November 1918, was formally adopted on 15 June 1921, and its modern proportions were designed by Ansis Cīrulis. The flag was suppressed during Soviet rule after 1940, continued in exile and underground use, and was legally restored on 27 February 1990. The deep Latvian red is traditionally associated with sacrifice in defense of the land, while the white stripe represents peace and hope for unity.