Some country flags are nearly identical. Whether it is the same three colours in a slightly different order, or almost the same design with a tiny difference, these flag pairs trip up even dedicated geography enthusiasts.

Ireland vs Ivory Coast

This is arguably the most confusing flag pair in the world. Both flags consist of three vertical stripes. Ireland has green, white and orange from left to right. Ivory Coast has exactly the same colours but in reverse — orange, white and green. Unless you know which side the green is on, these two flags are almost impossible to tell apart.

Ireland

Ivory Coast

Romania vs Chad

Romania's flag has three vertical stripes of blue, yellow and red. Chad's flag is almost identical — also blue, yellow and red — but Chad's blue is a very slightly darker shade. The difference is so subtle that in 2004 Chad formally complained to the United Nations about the similarity.

Romania

Chad

Australia vs New Zealand

Both Australia and New Zealand feature the Union Jack in the top left corner and the Southern Cross constellation on the right side, set against a blue background. The main differences are the shade of blue, the number of stars, and the fact that New Zealand's stars are red with white outlines while Australia's are all white.

Australia

New Zealand

Norway vs Denmark vs Iceland

The Scandinavian countries share a common flag design — an off-centre cross on a solid background. Denmark has a red flag with a white cross. Norway has a red flag with a blue cross outlined in white. Iceland has a blue flag with a red cross outlined in white. These three flags use the same elements in different colour combinations.

Norway

Denmark

Iceland

Finland

Indonesia vs Monaco vs Poland

Indonesia and Monaco both have two horizontal stripes — red on top and white on the bottom. They are virtually identical except Monaco's red is a slightly darker shade. Poland's flag is the same two colours but inverted — white on top and red on the bottom.

Indonesia

Monaco

Colombia vs Ecuador vs Venezuela

These three South American countries all have horizontal stripes of yellow, blue and red in the same order. Ecuador has a coat of arms in the centre, and Venezuela has stars, but without those details the flags are extremely similar.

Colombia

Ecuador

The more you practise, the more these subtle differences become obvious. Our Flag Quiz has a hard mode specifically designed around visually similar flags — putting Ireland next to Ivory Coast and Australia next to New Zealand.