πŸ‡²πŸ‡³ Mongolia Flag Unveiled: Colors, Meaning, Coat of Arms, Flag Map, and Similar Flags

The Mongolian flag is a vibrant emblem full of symbolism that encapsulates the nation’s enduring spirit and cultural richness. More than a national emblem, it weaves a narrative reflecting Mongolia’s historical path and contemporary ambitions and is a testament to its unique character.

Flag of Mongolia

Flag of Mongolia with a red field on either side of a blue vertical stripe, featuring a golden Soyombo symbol on the hoist side.
The current flag of Mongolia, adopted in 1945.

The Mongolian flag presents a distinctive design comprising three vertical stripes and an emblematic symbol. The central stripe, flanked by two others, creates a visual balance that is both simple and profound. Prominently featured on the hoist side is the Soyombo symbol, a complex and meaningful emblem deeply rooted in Mongolian history and culture.

Intricate in its design, this symbol encompasses various elements significant in traditional Mongolian cosmology and spirituality. The flag’s layout, coupled with the Soyombo, conveys a sense of Mongolia’s uniqueness and storied past, symbolizing national significance and a source of communal pride.

Flag of Mongolia: Color Palette

Blue

#0066b3

RGB: 0, 102, 179

CMYK: 100, 43, 0, 30

Red

#da2032

RGB: 218, 32, 50

CMYK: 0, 85, 77, 15

Yellow

#ffd400

RGB: 255, 212, 0

CMYK: 0, 17, 100, 0

Flag of Mongolia superimposed on the country's map outline.
Mongolia’s map, filled in the colors of the national flag.

Mongolia Flag Emoji: πŸ‡²πŸ‡³

Mongolia’s flag’s color palette is symbolic and visually striking, chosen with purpose and meaning. Each hue is crucial in representing the nation’s values and culture. This selection of colors is not only a reflection of Mongolia’s natural landscape and traditions but also serves as a beacon of its national ethos.

Meaning of Each Color

A uniformed officer saluting from a vehicle with the Mongolian flag waving in the foreground at a crowded event.
Flag of Mongolia displayed at Naadam festival in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia.

Red

The red stripes on either side of the Mongolian flag symbolize freedom, prosperity, and progress. This color, often associated with strength and courage, reflects the resilience of the Mongolian people.

Throughout history, red has played a significant role in representing the valor and endurance of the nation, especially during times of struggle and change​​​​.

Blue

The central blue stripe is emblematic of the “eternal blue sky,” a crucial element in Mongolian culture. This color conveys meanings of purity, tranquility, and the divine.

In Mongolian shamanistic beliefs, the blue sky is revered and considered the abode of the sky deity. It also has Buddhist associations with purity and healing, often represented in blue prayer flags across Mongolia​​​​.

Gold (Soyombo Symbol)

The flag’s gold color of the Soyombo symbol represents the sun, moon, and fire, symbolizing eternal growth, revival, and renewal. Gold in the Mongolian flag also indicates the country’s wealth in spirituality and cultural heritage.

The sun and moon in the Soyombo symbol are interpreted as the universe’s eternal presence, emphasizing the endurance and continuity of the Mongolian nation and its people.​

Mongolia’s Coat of Arms

National emblem of Mongolia featuring a combination of traditional symbols on a blue background.
National Emblem of Mongolia, symbolizing Mongolia’s rich cultural heritage and sovereign independence.

The Coat of Arms of Mongolia, a symbol of the nation’s sovereignty and heritage, is deeply rooted in historical and cultural symbolism. Central to the Coat of Arms is the Soyombo symbol, prominently featured and imbued with profound meaning.

  • Soyombo Symbol: At the forefront, the Soyombo symbol is a unique and sacred emblem of Mongolia, representing various aspects of the nation’s culture and values.
  • Blue Background: Encircling the Soyombo is blue, echoing the national flag’s blue stripe and symbolizing the eternal blue sky, a central element in Mongolian culture and shamanistic beliefs.
  • Supporting Animals that represent Mongolia’s natural wealth and beauty and are emblematic of the nation’s nomadic culture and history.
  • Natural Elements: Other elements often found in the Coat of Arms include representations of Mongolia’s diverse landscape, such as mountains and the steppe, symbolizing the country’s vastness and natural resources.
  • Cultural Symbols representing Mongolia’s rich cultural heritage, such as traditional motifs or artifacts, underscore the nation’s deep historical roots and cultural richness.

With its intricate symbolism and design, the Mongolian Coat of Arms showcases the country’s historical and cultural identity and is a beacon of its enduring spirit and national pride.

Historical Evolution and the Meaning Behind Changes

The evolution of the Mongolian flag over time reflects the dynamic journey of the nation’s prosperous past and political landscape. Initially, before the 20th century, Mongolia used banners with religious symbols.

Flag of Mongolia with a vertical stripe of traditional patterns and the Soyombo symbol in the center.
The flag of Mongolia upon Independence in 2011.

However, in the early 20th century, when Mongolia became independent from China, it introduced flags with traditional symbols, signaling the emergence of a distinct identity.

During the Mongolian People’s Republic era, starting in 1924, the flag underwent significant changes to represent the new socialist government.

This period introduced the Soyombo symbol, merging national identity with socialist ideals. The flag’s design evolved subtly through World War II, aligning with Mongolia’s relationship with the Soviet Union.

Post-World War II, up to the democratic revolution in 1992, the flag solidified its design, maintaining the basic elements that symbolize Mongolia’s heritage and values.

Red flag with a golden Soyombo symbol in the center above a green lotus, flanked by golden Tibetan script.
Historical Flag of Mongolia (1924 – 1940), adopted after the death of Bogd Khan.

The democratic revolution in 1992 marked the adoption of the current flag, which retained the previous design’s essential features. This continuity reflects Mongolia’s historical roots while embracing democratic values.

Throughout history, the Mongolian flag has reflected the country’s journey, adapting to governance and cultural changes yet consistently symbolizing the nation’s enduring spirit.

Overall Symbolic Meaning of the Flag

Mongolia's location in East Asia
Mongolia’s location in East Asia, marked on the map with a pin of its national flag.

The Mongolian flag symbolically unites the nation’s history, culture, and aspirations. Its red stripes reflect progress, the central blue stripe embodies the revered eternal blue sky, and the Soyombo symbol encapsulates Mongolia’s heritage and resilience. These elements convey Mongolia’s deep connection to its past and forward-looking spirit.

Similar Flags to the Flag of Mongolia

The Mongolian flag shares visual similarities with a few other national flags, including Moldova’s, though these resemblances are more about design elements than shared histories or cultural exchanges:

Moldova

Flag of Moldova with vertical tricolor of blue, yellow, and red, featuring the national coat of arms in the center.
Flag of Moldova, highlighting the diversity of national symbols in global contexts.

The flag of Moldova features a national emblem (the coat of arms) against a background of vertical stripes. Although the colors and the emblem differ, integrating a national symbol on a tricolored flag aligns with Mongolia’s design approach.

Bhutan

Flag of Bhutan featuring a white dragon in the center with a background diagonally divided into yellow and orange sections.
Flag of Bhutan, illustrating the varied ways nations symbolize their values.

Bhutan’s flag features a dragon, symbolizing protection, which parallels the protective elements in Mongolia’s Soyombo symbol. Both flags use strong, traditional symbols that reflect national values and historical roots, albeit in different cultural contexts.

Kazakhstan

Flag of Kazakhstan with a sky blue background, a golden sun with 32 rays above a soaring golden steppe eagle, and a vertical band of traditional Kazakh patterns on the hoist side.
Flag of Kazakhstan, underscoring Central Asia’s diverse tapestry of national identities.

The flag of Kazakhstan includes a golden sun with rays, similar to the golden elements in Mongolia’s Soyombo symbol. The blue background in Kazakhstan’s flag is reminiscent of the blue stripe in Mongolia’s flag, although the cultural significances are distinct.

Final Thoughts

With its distinctive colors and symbols, the Mongolian flag stands as a unique emblem in the global array of national flags, encapsulating the country’s rich cultural and historical narrative. For the citizens of Mongolia, it remains a source of profound national pride, symbolizing their enduring spirit and the unity of their diverse heritage.

Image Sources and Copyright Information
  • Military Officer Saluting with Mongolian Flag at Naadam Festival: Β© Eleanor Scriven/Shutterstock
  • Mongolia Location on Map with Flag Pin: Β© hyotographics/Shutterstock