Ireland vs Ivory Coast Flag
The flags of Ireland and Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) are mirror images of each other. Both feature three vertical stripes of green, white, and orange, but in reversed order. Ireland's green stripe is on the left (hoist side), while Ivory Coast's orange stripe is on the left. This reversal has caused frequent mix-ups at international events.
Key Differences
- Ireland's order is green-white-orange (left to right), while Ivory Coast's is orange-white-green.
- Ireland's flag has a 1:2 ratio, while Ivory Coast's is 2:3.
- Ireland's orange represents the Protestant community (specifically William of Orange), while Ivory Coast's orange represents the savanna in the north.
- Ireland's flag was adopted in 1919, while Ivory Coast's was adopted in 1959.
Similarities
- Both use green, white, and orange vertical stripes.
- Both tricolors were inspired by the French flag design.
- White represents peace in both flags.
- Both flags lack any emblem or coat of arms.
Why Do Ireland and Côte d'Ivoire Flags Look So Similar?
Both flags draw inspiration from the French Tricolore, which popularized the three-stripe vertical design after the French Revolution. Ireland's flag was conceived in 1848 by Thomas Francis Meagher, who was inspired by the French model. Ivory Coast adopted its flag upon independence from France in 1959, also using the French-style tricolor. The shared design template and the choice of similar colors (green, white, orange) by coincidence created two near-mirror-image flags.
History of the Irish Flag
The Irish tricolor was first introduced by Thomas Francis Meagher in 1848, inspired by the French Revolution. The green represents the Irish Catholic and nationalist tradition, orange represents the Protestant minority (William of Orange), and white represents peace between the two communities. It became the official flag of the Irish Free State in 1922 and was enshrined in the 1937 Constitution.
History of the Ivory Coast Flag
Côte d'Ivoire adopted its flag on December 3, 1959, one year before gaining full independence from France on August 7, 1960. The design was inspired by the French Tricolore. President Félix Houphouët-Boigny chose the colors to represent the country's land and values: orange for the northern savanna, white for peace, and green for the southern forests.
Color Comparison
Ireland Flag Colors
Côte d'Ivoire Flag Colors
Fun Facts
- At the 2016 Olympics, the Ivory Coast flag was accidentally displayed for Ireland during a medal ceremony.
- The easiest way to remember: Ireland starts with green (like its famous green landscapes), Ivory Coast starts with orange.
- Italy's flag (green-white-red) adds another layer of confusion with a similar color pattern.
- Both countries have strong connections to France — Ireland through its revolutionary ideals, Ivory Coast through colonization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Ireland and Côte d'Ivoire flags look alike?
Both flags draw inspiration from the French Tricolore, which popularized the three-stripe vertical design after the French Revolution. Ireland's flag was conceived in 1848 by Thomas Francis Meagher, who was inspired by the French model. Ivory Coast adopted its flag upon independence from France in 1959, also using the French-style tricolor. The shared design template and the choice of similar colors (green, white, orange) by coincidence created two near-mirror-image flags.
What is the difference between the Ireland and Côte d'Ivoire flag?
- Ireland's order is green-white-orange (left to right), while Ivory Coast's is orange-white-green.
- Ireland's flag has a 1:2 ratio, while Ivory Coast's is 2:3.
- Ireland's orange represents the Protestant community (specifically William of Orange), while Ivory Coast's orange represents the savanna in the north.
- Ireland's flag was adopted in 1919, while Ivory Coast's was adopted in 1959.
Are the Ireland and Côte d'Ivoire flags the same?
No, while they look very similar, the flags of Ireland and Côte d'Ivoire have distinct differences. Ireland's order is green-white-orange (left to right), while Ivory Coast's is orange-white-green.
Can You Tell Them Apart?
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