The Flag of Austria consists of three horizontal stripes: red at the top, white in the middle, and red at the bottom. This simple yet striking design has its origins in the late 12th century and is one of the oldest national flags in the world. The colors are said to represent the blood of soldiers, the white representing peace. The flag's proportions are typically 2:3, meaning its width is 1.5 times its height. The Austrian coat of arms can also be displayed on the flag during official events, but the plain tricolor is used for general purposes.