# flag of Crimea

> official flag of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Ukraine

**Wikidata**: [Q225489](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q225489)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Crimea)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/flag-of-crimea

## Summary
The flag of Crimea is the official flag of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Ukraine, featuring a horizontal tricolor design with blue at the top, white in the middle, and red at the bottom. Adopted on April 21, 1999, it represents Crimea's status as an autonomous region within Ukraine, though its use has been contested following Russia's annexation in 2014.

## Key Facts
- **Design**: A horizontal tricolor with blue (top), white (middle), and red (bottom) stripes, representing the Pan-Slavic colors.
- **Aspect Ratio**: 2:1, adhering to vexillological standards for national flags.
- **Adoption Date**: April 21, 1999, as the flag of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.
- **Legal Status**: Officially recognized as the flag of Crimea by Ukrainian authorities.
- **Controversy**: Recognized by Ukraine but unrecognized by Russia, which claims it as its own.
- **Wikipedia Presence**: Available in 33 languages, including Arabic, German, Russian, and Chinese.
- **Commons Category**: "Flags of Crimea" on Wikimedia Commons.
- **Related Entities**: Linked to the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Ukraine, and Russia.
- **Digital Identifiers**: Includes BabelNet ID (03256420n) and Freebase ID (/m/0cpptz).
- **Vexillological Classification**: A national flag, subclass of both "flag design" and "national symbol."

## FAQs
**What does the flag of Crimea represent?**
The flag of Crimea represents the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Ukraine, through its horizontal tricolor design, which symbolizes Pan-Slavic identity and sovereignty. It was adopted in 1999 and remains a key symbol of Crimean autonomy.

**How is the flag of Crimea different from Russia's flag?**
The flag of Crimea features blue, white, and red stripes, while Russia's flag has the same colors but arranged vertically. Crimea's flag was adopted by Ukrainian authorities, whereas Russia's flag represents the Russian Federation.

**Why is the flag of Crimea controversial?**
The flag of Crimea is controversial due to Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, which led to its recognition by Russia but not by Ukraine or international bodies. Its use remains a point of dispute between the two nations.

**Where can I see the flag of Crimea in use?**
The flag of Crimea is displayed in Crimea, primarily by Ukrainian authorities and organizations. Its use is restricted in Russia, where it is considered illegal under Russian law.

**What is the official status of the flag of Crimea?**
Officially, the flag of Crimea is recognized as the flag of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea by Ukrainian authorities. However, its use is unrecognized by Russia, which claims it as its own.

## Why It Matters
The flag of Crimea serves as a symbol of Crimean identity and autonomy, particularly in the context of Ukraine's sovereignty and Russia's annexation. Its adoption in 1999 reflected Crimea's status as an autonomous region within Ukraine, though its use has been contested since Russia's 2014 annexation. The flag's design, based on Pan-Slavic colors, underscores its role in representing Crimean nationalism and regional distinctiveness. Its recognition by Ukraine but not Russia highlights the geopolitical tensions surrounding Crimea, making it a focal point in discussions about territorial integrity and international law.

## Notable For
- **Pan-Slavic Symbolism**: The flag's blue, white, and red stripes reflect Pan-Slavic colors, emphasizing Crimean identity within a broader Slavic context.
- **Controversial Recognition**: Recognized by Ukraine but unrecognized by Russia, reflecting the geopolitical dispute over Crimea's sovereignty.
- **Vexillological Uniqueness**: As a national flag, it is classified as both a "flag design" and a "national symbol," aligning with its role in representing a specific region.
- **Multilingual Documentation**: Documented in 33 Wikipedia languages, indicating its global relevance and cultural significance.
- **Digital Representation**: Linked to Wikimedia Commons and other digital platforms, ensuring its preservation and accessibility.

## Body

### Design and Symbolism
The flag of Crimea features a horizontal tricolor with blue at the top, white in the middle, and red at the bottom. This design is based on the Pan-Slavic colors, symbolizing unity and identity among Slavic peoples. The aspect ratio of 2:1 adheres to vexillological standards for national flags, ensuring its visual balance and recognition.

### Adoption and Legal Status
The flag was adopted on April 21, 1999, as the official flag of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. It was recognized by Ukrainian authorities and used to represent Crimean autonomy. However, following Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, its use has been contested, with Russia recognizing it as its own flag.

### Controversy and Recognition
The flag of Crimea is recognized by Ukraine but not by Russia, which claims it as its own. This recognition discrepancy reflects the ongoing geopolitical tensions between the two nations. The flag remains a symbol of Crimean identity and autonomy, despite its contested status.

### Digital Presence and Documentation
The flag of Crimea is documented in 33 Wikipedia languages, including Arabic, German, Russian, and Chinese. It is also linked to Wikimedia Commons, where it is categorized under "Flags of Crimea." Digital identifiers, such as BabelNet ID (03256420n) and Freebase ID (/m/0cpptz), ensure its presence in global knowledge systems.

### Related Entities and Context
The flag of Crimea is connected to the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Ukraine, and Russia. It represents a specific region within Ukraine and has been a point of contention in the context of Russia's annexation. Its design and symbolism reflect broader issues of territorial integrity and national identity.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. BabelNet