The Albania flag – in Albanian Flamuri i Shqipërisë, often simply called Kuq e Zi (“red and black”) – shows a black double-headed eagle on a red field. Here you can get the Albanian flag in every common version: as a classic 90 × 150 cm flag, as a premium flag with gold fringes, as an XXL flag of 180 × 300 cm, and as a car flag or bonnet flag – shipped from Germany. Further down you’ll find everything worth knowing about the meaning, history and proportions of the flag of Albania.
The Albania flag at a glance
| Design | Black double-headed eagle (Shqiponja) centred on a red field |
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| Name in Albanian | Flamuri i Shqipërisë, also Flamuri i Skënderbeut (“Skanderbeg’s flag”) |
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| Colours | Red and black – flag references give the red as roughly Pantone 186 C |
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| Official ratio | 5 : 7 (height to width) |
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| Current design since | 7 April 1992 |
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| Flag Day | 28 November – Dita e Flamurit, Albania’s Independence Day (1912) |
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Which Albania flag is right for you?
Not sure about the size? Our Albania flag size guide compares every format for balcony, pole, car and table.
Meaning of the Albanian flag
In Albanian tradition, red stands for courage, bravery and the blood shed in the struggle for freedom. The black double-headed eagle is the national symbol of the Albanians: the country is called Shqipëria in Albanian, which is often interpreted as “land of the eagles” (shqiponjë = eagle), and Albanians call themselves Shqiptarë. The two heads looking in opposite directions are often read as a view to the east and the west – fitting for Albania’s position between Orient and Occident.
Read more about the colours in Kuq e Zi – the meaning of red and black, and more about the heraldic animal in The double-headed eagle (Shqiponja).
History of the flag of Albania
- 15th century: National hero Skanderbeg (Gjergj Kastrioti) carried a red banner with a black double-headed eagle, based on his family’s coat of arms, in the resistance against the Ottoman Empire. Today’s flag goes back to it.
- 28 November 1912: In Vlora, Ismail Qemali proclaimed Albania’s independence and raised the red-and-black flag. Since then, 28 November has been Independence Day and Flag Day.
- 1912 to 1992: Depending on the form of government, additions appeared above the eagle – Skanderbeg’s helmet in the kingdom under Zog, fasces and a crown under Italian occupation, and a yellow-bordered star in the People’s Republic from 1946.
- 7 April 1992: After the end of communism the star was removed. Since then the Albanian flag once again shows only the black double-headed eagle on red.
Albania flag vs. Kosovo flag – the difference
The Kosovo flag is blue with a golden map and six white stars and has been the state flag of the Republic of Kosovo since 2008. The red-and-black Albania flag, by contrast, is seen by many Albanians in Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia and the diaspora as the flag of the whole nation – which is why Kosovo Albanians often fly both flags side by side. More on this in Një Komb – two flags, one nation.
When is the Albania flag flown?
- 28 November: on Flag Day, many Albanian households hang the flag from the balcony or window.
- Weddings (dasma) and car parades: bonnet flags and car flags are part of every convoy – tips in our article Albanian car parade.
- Football: at Kuq e Zi matches in the stadium, at public viewings and at the celebrations afterwards.
- As a gift: a premium flag with gold fringes is a gift full of symbolism for family and friends.
Frequently asked questions about the Albania flag
What does the eagle on the Albania flag mean?
The black double-headed eagle (Shqiponja) is the national symbol of the Albanians. It goes back to Skanderbeg’s banner in the 15th century and stands for freedom, strength and the unity of the nation. The country itself is called Shqipëria – often translated as “land of the eagles”.
What are the proportions of the Albanian flag?
Officially, the flag of Albania has a ratio of 5 : 7, for example 100 × 140 cm. Commercial flags are usually made in a 3 : 5 format, such as 90 × 150 cm, so that they fit standard poles and balcony brackets. The eagle stays centred and the difference is barely noticeable.
Since when has the Albania flag had its current design?
Since 7 April 1992, when the star that had been above the eagle since 1946 was removed. The flag was already red with a black double-headed eagle at independence on 28 November 1912.
What is the Albanian flag called in Albanian?
Flamuri i Shqipërisë or flamuri kombëtar (national flag). Because of its origin it is also called Flamuri i Skënderbeut, colloquially simply Kuq e Zi.
What is the difference between the standard and the premium flag?
Both show the same design in the same colours. The premium flag also has a golden fringe, which makes it look more festive – ideal for indoors, clubhouses and celebrations. The standard flag without fringes is the robust choice for pole, balcony and stadium.
Is the Albania flag suitable for outdoor use?
Yes. Our Albania flags are made of weatherproof, UV-resistant polyester with reinforced edges. In storms or prolonged rain the flag will last longer if you take it down temporarily.
