The flag of Latvia consists of three horizontal stripes – the top and bottom stripes are crimson red, and the middle stripe is white. The ratio of the height to the length of the flag is 1:2. The crimson red stripes represent the bravery and courage of the Latvian people, while the white stripe symbolizes the purity and honesty of the nation. The design of the flag is based on the heraldic colors of the traditional Latvian coat of arms, which dates back to the 13th century.