Flag of Macau

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Flag ratio: 2:3, The differences between this edition and old one are stars, bridge, color, and water.
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Flag ratio: 2:3, The differences between this edition and old one are stars, bridge, color, and water.

The flag of Macau is light green with a lotus flower above the stylized Nobre Governador Carvalho Bridge and water in white, beneath an arc of five gold, five-pointed stars: one large in center of arc and four smaller.

The lotus was chosen as the floral emblem of Macau. The Nobre Governador Carvalho Bridge is a bridge linking the Macau Peninsula and the island of Taipa. The bridge has been one of the most recognisable landmarks for the territory. The water beneath the lotus and the bridge symbolise Macau's position as a port and its role played in the territory. The five five-point stars echo the design of that on the flag of the People's Republic of China, symbolising the relationship Macau has with its sovereign country.


Former flag of the Government of Macau
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Former flag of the Government of Macau

Prior to the handover of Macau to the People's Republic of China by Portugal in 1999, Macau as a colony used only the Portuguese flag officially.

There was a flag for the Government of Macau, with designs of a dragon and a Portuguese-style coat-of-arms; it is not used to represent Macau as a colony, but the Municipality of Macau. A flag for the colony based on a similar design was proposed in 1967 but was never adopted. This design can be seen in artworks symbolizing colonial Portugal.

High relief on the façade of Banco Nacional Ultramarino (lit. National Overseas Bank) in Lisbon. The dragon design representing Macau can be seen on the upper-right corner.
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High relief on the façade of Banco Nacional Ultramarino (lit. National Overseas Bank) in Lisbon. The dragon design representing Macau can be seen on the upper-right corner.

There was another flag for the municipality of Macau, with a Portuguese-style coat-of-arms and two angels as heraldic supporters. Reportedly, this was the flag used at the 1999 handover ceremony.

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