Romania vs Moldova Flag
Romania and Moldova's flags are so similar that they can be almost impossible to tell apart without close inspection. Both feature three vertical stripes of blue, yellow, and red — identical to each other in layout. The only difference is that Moldova places its coat of arms (an eagle holding a shield with an aurochs head) in the center of the yellow stripe. This remarkable similarity reflects the deep historical and cultural ties between the two countries.
Key Differences
- Moldova has its coat of arms (an eagle holding a shield with an aurochs head) centered on the flag; Romania's flag is plain.
- The shades differ very slightly: Moldova's blue is marginally lighter and its yellow slightly more golden.
- Moldova's flag ratio is 1:2; Romania's is 2:3.
- Moldova adopted its current flag in 1990; Romania's plain tricolor was restored in 1989.
- Without the coat of arms, Moldova's flag would be virtually indistinguishable from Romania's.
Similarities
- Both use blue, yellow, and red vertical stripes in the same order (left to right).
- Both tricolors share common historical origins in the Romanian principalities.
- Both flags represent the colors of Wallachia, Moldavia, and Transylvania.
- The colors carry similar symbolic meanings in both countries.
Why Do Romania and Moldova Flags Look So Similar?
The similarity is entirely deliberate. Moldova (historically known as Bessarabia) was part of the Principality of Moldavia, one of the Romanian-speaking principalities whose colors form the Romanian tricolor. When Romania united Wallachia and Moldavia in 1859, the blue-yellow-red tricolor became the national flag. Bessarabia (modern Moldova) was annexed by Russia in 1812 and later became a Soviet republic. When Moldova declared independence in 1991, it adopted Romania's tricolor with the addition of the Moldovan coat of arms to distinguish itself — reflecting both its Romanian heritage and its separate sovereignty.
History of the Romanian Flag
Romania's tricolor dates back to 1834 when Wallachia adopted a flag with blue, yellow, and red. The vertical tricolor was officially adopted during the 1848 revolution, combining the colors of the three historical Romanian provinces: Wallachia (blue and yellow), Moldavia (red and blue), and Transylvania. During communist rule (1947–1989), a socialist coat of arms was placed in the center. During the 1989 revolution, Romanians cut out the communist emblem, and the plain tricolor was restored.
History of the Moldovan Flag
Moldova adopted its current flag on November 6, 1990, during the transition from Soviet rule. The blue-yellow-red tricolor was chosen to reflect Moldova's Romanian cultural and linguistic heritage. The coat of arms — featuring a golden eagle holding an Orthodox cross in its beak, a scepter and olive branch in its talons, and a shield with an aurochs (the historic symbol of Moldavia) — was added to differentiate the flag from Romania's. The design has been a subject of political debate, with some advocating for unification with Romania and others preferring distinct Moldovan identity.
Color Comparison
Romania Flag Colors
Moldova Flag Colors
Fun Facts
- Chad's flag is ALSO nearly identical to Romania's — making Chad, Romania, and Moldova a trio of almost indistinguishable flags.
- Some Moldovan politicians have proposed removing the coat of arms and using Romania's plain tricolor, which would make the flags completely identical.
- Moldova is the only country whose flag is essentially another country's flag plus a coat of arms.
- The aurochs (an extinct wild ox) on Moldova's coat of arms was the historic symbol of the medieval Principality of Moldavia.
- During pro-unification rallies in Moldova, protesters often wave Romanian flags alongside Moldovan ones — the visual difference is barely noticeable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Romania and Moldova flags look alike?
The similarity is entirely deliberate. Moldova (historically known as Bessarabia) was part of the Principality of Moldavia, one of the Romanian-speaking principalities whose colors form the Romanian tricolor. When Romania united Wallachia and Moldavia in 1859, the blue-yellow-red tricolor became the national flag. Bessarabia (modern Moldova) was annexed by Russia in 1812 and later became a Soviet republic. When Moldova declared independence in 1991, it adopted Romania's tricolor with the addition of the Moldovan coat of arms to distinguish itself — reflecting both its Romanian heritage and its separate sovereignty.
What is the difference between the Romania and Moldova flag?
- Moldova has its coat of arms (an eagle holding a shield with an aurochs head) centered on the flag; Romania's flag is plain.
- The shades differ very slightly: Moldova's blue is marginally lighter and its yellow slightly more golden.
- Moldova's flag ratio is 1:2; Romania's is 2:3.
- Moldova adopted its current flag in 1990; Romania's plain tricolor was restored in 1989.
- Without the coat of arms, Moldova's flag would be virtually indistinguishable from Romania's.
Are the Romania and Moldova flags the same?
No, while they look very similar, the flags of Romania and Moldova have distinct differences. Moldova has its coat of arms (an eagle holding a shield with an aurochs head) centered on the flag; Romania's flag is plain.
Can You Tell Them Apart?
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