Flag of Macedonia (GIF)

The flag of North Macedonia (Macedonian: Знаме на Македонија; Albanian: Flamuri i Maqedonisë së Veriut) features a red background with a golden sun at its center, showcasing eight rays that extend to the flag's edges. The color red is deeply rooted in the traditional colors of Slavic Macedonia, representing historical significance and cultural heritage. The eight-ray sun symbolizes the "new sun of Liberty," a reference to the national anthem of the Republic of North Macedonia, signifying the country's quest for freedom and independence. The flag was officially adopted in 1995 following the country's secession from Yugoslavia, and it stands as a powerful representation of the nation's rich history and identity.

Proportion:	1:2
Adopted:	October 5, 1995
Designed by:	Miroslav Grčev
Flag image:	Animated GIF (25 frames looped)
Flag emoji code:	🇲🇰

The national emblem of North Macedonia is rich in symbolism, featuring two curved garlands composed of sheaves of wheat, tobacco leaves, and opium poppy fruits, all tied together by a ribbon adorned with traditional Macedonian folk motifs. At its core, the emblem displays a mountain, a lake, and a rising sun. These elements hold significant meaning, with the rising sun symbolizing freedom and the Šar Mountains with their prominent peak, Ljuboten or Mount Korab, representing the nation's geography. The inclusion of the river Vardar and Lake Ohrid further highlights the country's natural beauty. Notably, the emblem features opium poppy fruits, introduced to the region during Ottoman rule in the 19th century, adding an element of historical significance and heritage to the emblem's design.

North Macedonia, officially the Republic of North Macedonia, is a country in the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe. Its capital is Skopje, and its population is about 2.065 million (2021). According to its land borders, it borders with Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Serbia, and Kosovo.

COUNTRY PROFILE

Capital and largest city:	Skopje
Other major cities:	Bitola, Kumanovo
Official languages:	Macedonian, Albanian
Region:	Southern Europe
Ethnic groups:	64.2% Macedonians, 25.2% Albanians, 3.9% Turks, 2.7% Romani, 1.8% Serbs, 0.8% Bosniaks, 1.4% other/unspecified
Religions:	65.2% Christianity, 33.3% Islam, 1.5% Others/None
Nationality name:	Macedonian
Area:	25,713 km² (9,928 sq mi)
Population:	2.065 million (2021)
Country codes:	MK, MKD (ISO 3166)
Internet Top-Level Domain:	.mk
Calling code:	+389

Keywords: Flag and coat of arms of North Macedonia (Macedonian: Знаме и грб на Северна Македонија; Albanian: Flamuri dhe stema e Maqedonisë së Veriut), GIF

References:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_North_Macedonia
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_emblem_of_North_Macedonia