Austria’s national flag is the horizontal red-white-red triband often linked to the Babenberg dynasty.
The design is traditionally associated with Duke Leopold V of Austria. According to legend, his white tunic became red at the edges after the Battle of Acre in 1191, leaving a white band beneath his belt. Historians treat that story cautiously, but the red-white-red pattern is documented in medieval Austrian heraldry.
Austria’s modern flag was adopted in 1945 after the restoration of the republic following World War II. The civil flag is the plain triband, while the state flag adds the Austrian coat of arms in the center.
Latvia’s flag is also red and white, but its central white stripe is much narrower. Peru uses a vertical red-white-red arrangement, so orientation helps distinguish it from Austria.