Ever noticed how the flags of Ireland and Ivory Coast look kind of similar? It can be quite confusing, but it’s also pretty interesting, right?
Is this just a coincidence or is there more to it? Let’s take a trip back in time and check out what these flags represent and what makes them stand out from each other.
Are the Flags of Ireland and the Ivory Coast the Same?
A common misconception is that the flags of Ireland and the Ivory Coast are identical, but that’s not true.
They share the same colors, but they are arranged differently, have different proportions, and represent different meanings and histories.
What are the Differences between the Flags of Ireland and Ivory Coast?
Color Order of Ireland vs Ivory Coast Flag
Don’t be confused by the color arrangement of two flags; their key distinction lies in the order and placement of the colors.
In the Irish Tricolor, the green stripe is on the hoist side (the left side when hanging vertically), followed by white in the middle, and orange on the fly side (the right side when hanging vertically).
Conversely, the flag of Ivory Coast displays an orange stripe on the left, white in the middle, and green on the right.
Origin of Ireland vs. Ivory Coast Flag
The Irish flag was first presented as a gift to Thomas Francis Meagher, an Irish nationalist leader, by some French women in 1848. However, it was not widely used until 1916, when it flew above Dublin’s General Post Office during the Easter Rising.
The Irish Republic adopted the flag during its war for independence (1919–1921) and the Irish Free State continued its use until the 1937 Constitution gave it legal status.
On the other hand, the Ivory Coast flag was chosen in 1958, when the country became an autonomous state within the French Community. Before that, it used the French flag of blue, white, and red stripes.
The Ivory Coast flag was officially adopted in 1959, a year before the country gained full independence from France. The flag has remained the same since then.
Symbolism of Ireland vs. Ivory Coast Flag
The flag of Ireland reflects the long-standing conflict and the hope for reconciliation between the Catholic and Protestant communities.
The Irish flag’s colors represent Irish nationalism (green), the Protestant minority and the Orange Order’s struggle (orange), and the hope for peace and harmony (white) between these groups, as envisioned by Thomas Francis Meagher.
The flag of Ivory Coast, in contrast, expresses the country’s diversity and potential. The three colors are arranged in a vertical way, like the French flag, because France used to rule this country a long time ago.
The orange symbolizes the land, the savannahs, and the fight for independence; the white symbolizes peace and harmony; and the green symbolizes hope and the forests.
Size of Ireland vs Ivory Coast Flag
The last difference between the flags of Ireland and Ivory Coast is their ratio. The ratio is the proportion between the width and height of a flag.
The Irish flag has a ratio of 1:2, which means it is twice as wide as it is tall. The Ivory Coast flag has a ratio of 2:3, which means it is one and a half times as wide as it is tall.