# Civil ensign

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> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_ensign
> Source revision: 1343473891
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Maritime flag used by civilian vessels to denote their nationality

The British [Red Ensign](/source/Red_Ensign) and its derivatives are famous examples of distinctive civil ensigns that are greatly different from the standard [national flags](/source/National_flag).

A **civil ensign** is an [ensign](/source/Ensign_(flag)) (maritime flag) used by civilian vessels to denote their [nationality](/source/Nationality). It can be the same or different from the [state ensign](/source/State_ensign) and the [naval ensign](/source/Naval_ensign) (or war ensign). It is also known as the **merchant ensign** or **merchant flag**. Some countries have special civil ensigns for [yachts](/source/Yacht), and even for specific [yacht clubs](/source/Yacht_club), known as [yacht ensigns](/source/Yacht_ensign).

Most countries have only one [national flag](/source/National_flag) and ensign for all purposes. In other countries, a distinction is made between the land flag and the civil, state and naval ensigns. The [British ensigns](/source/British_ensign), for example, differ from the flag used on land (the [Union Flag](/source/Union_Jack)) and have different versions of plain and defaced [Red](/source/Red_Ensign) and [Blue](/source/Blue_Ensign) ensigns for civilian and state use, as well as the naval ensign ([White Ensign](/source/White_Ensign)) that can also be used by yachts of the [Royal Yacht Squadron](/source/Royal_Yacht_Squadron).

## Countries having specific civil ensigns

The civil ensigns that are different from the general national flag can be grouped into a number of categories.

### Civil ensigns with the national flag in the canton

Several countries use red flags with, in most cases, either the respective national flag or the Union Flag in the [canton](/source/Canton_(flag)), patterned after the Red Ensign. [British overseas territories](/source/British_overseas_territories) fly the plain Red Ensign or a Red Ensign with the respective colonial arms in the fly. [Saudi Arabia](/source/Saudi_Arabia) puts its national flag in the canton of an otherwise-green flag (the [Saudi Arabian flag](/source/Saudi_Arabian_flag) is hoisted with the flagpole to its right so the canton is in the upper right corner of the flag). [Ghana](/source/Ghana) stopped using its Red Ensign in 2003 with the adoption of a new merchant shipping act, which made the [Ghanaian flag](/source/Flag_of_Ghana) the proper national colors for Ghanaian ships. Similarly, [Sri Lanka](/source/Sri_Lanka) stopped using its Red Ensign in 1969 and uses the [Sri Lankan flag](/source/Sri_Lankan_flag) as the civil ensign. Under the relevant shipping law for the [Solomon Islands](/source/Solomon_Islands), the Shipping Act 1998, (No. 5 of 1998), the national flag of the Solomon Islands and not a Red Ensign is the appropriate flag: "The National Flag of Solomon Islands shall be the national colours for a vessel registered under this Act." Nevertheless, the Solomon Islands Red Ensign is still used in some cases.

#### Sovereign states

- National flag Civil ensign [Australia](/source/Flag_of_Australia)[1]
 - National flag Civil ensign [Bangladesh](/source/Flag_of_Bangladesh)
 - National flag Civil ensign [The Bahamas](/source/Flag_of_the_Bahamas)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Fiji](/source/Flag_of_Fiji)
 - National flag Civil ensign [India](/source/Flag_of_India)
 - National flag [Jamaica](/source/Flag_of_Jamaica)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Malaysia](/source/Flag_of_Malaysia)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Mauritius](/source/Flag_of_Mauritius)
 - National flag Civil ensign [New Zealand](/source/Flag_of_New_Zealand)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Nigeria](/source/Flag_of_Nigeria)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Pakistan](/source/Flag_of_Pakistan)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Saudi Arabia](/source/Flag_of_Saudi_Arabia)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Solomon Islands](/source/Flag_of_Solomon_Islands)
 - National flag [Sri Lanka](/source/Flag_of_Sri_Lanka)
 - National flag Civil ensign [United Arab Emirates](/source/Flag_of_the_United_Arab_Emirates)[2]
 - National flag Civil ensign [United Kingdom](/source/Red_Ensign)[3]

#### British overseas territories and crown dependencies

Source:[4]

The [Red Ensign Group](/source/Red_Ensign_Group) is a collaboration of United Kingdom shipping registries including British Overseas Territories and Crown dependencies. A ship registered in any country within the Red Ensign group is entitled to fly the Red Ensign, or it can choose to fly the Red Ensign defaced with its home port national colors.

- National flag Civil ensign [British Virgin Islands](/source/Flag_of_the_British_Virgin_Islands)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Cayman Islands](/source/Flag_of_the_Cayman_Islands)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Falkland Islands](/source/Flag_of_the_Falkland_Islands)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Gibraltar](/source/Flag_of_Gibraltar)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Guernsey](/source/Flag_of_Guernsey)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Isle of Man](/source/Flag_of_the_Isle_of_Man)
 - National flag civil ensign [Jersey](/source/Jersey_Red_Ensign)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Turks and Caicos Islands](/source/Flag_of_the_Turks_and_Caicos_Islands)

#### Blue Ensign exceptions

In some cases, the [Blue Ensign](/source/Blue_Ensign) may be flown in lieu of the Red Ensign if a number of merchant vessels crew are former [Royal Navy](/source/Royal_Navy) personnel or current Royal Navy Reservists, or commanded by an officer of the [Royal Navy Reserve](/source/Royal_Navy_Reserve). India and Sri Lanka enact similar laws.

- National flag Government ensign [United Kingdom](/source/Blue_Ensign)
 - National flag Reserve ensign [India](/source/Flag_of_India)
 - National flag Government ensign [Sri Lanka](/source/Flag_of_Sri_Lanka)

### Civil ensigns that vary greatly from the national flag

Several countries have civil ensigns that are very different from the national flag.

- National flag Civil ensign [Albania](/source/Flag_of_Albania)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Israel](/source/Flag_of_Israel)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Luxembourg](/source/Flag_of_Luxembourg)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Maine](/source/Flag_of_Maine)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Malta](/source/Flag_of_Malta)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Monaco](/source/Flag_of_Monaco)
 - National flag Civil ensign [The Philippines](/source/Flag_of_the_Philippines) (inland only)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Singapore](/source/Flag_of_Singapore)

### Civil ensigns consisting of the national flag with an additional emblem

Well-known examples are the [Italian civil ensign](/source/Flag_of_Italy) showing the shield with the arms of the sea republics, and the [Polish civil ensign](/source/Flag_of_Poland) with the arms of Poland. Most of these emblems were added to distinguish the ensign from similar flags of other countries (e.g. Colombia/Ecuador) or from other signal flags (e.g. Malta/ H signal flag).

- National flag Civil ensign [Colombia](/source/Flag_of_Colombia)
 - National flag Civil ensign [El Salvador](/source/Flag_of_El_Salvador)
 - National flag merchant marine ensign [Italy](/source/Flag_of_Italy)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Morocco](/source/Flag_of_Morocco)[5]
 - National flag Civil ensign [Poland](/source/Flag_of_Poland)
 - National flag Yacht ensign (US Waters only) [United States](/source/Ensign_of_the_United_States) (Yacht ensign; unofficial)
 - National flag Yachting club ensign [Finland](/source/Flag_of_Finland#Yachting_club_ensigns) (Yacht ensign)[6]
 - National flag Yachting club ensign [Spain](/source/Flag_of_Spain) (Yacht ensign)

### Civil ensigns that are simplified national flags with coat of arms removed

In several countries (such as Spain and much of Hispanic America, and some European countries), there are two main versions of the flag, a simpler one (usually a striped flag) and a more elaborate one with the national arms. The simpler one is used as a civil ensign (and in most cases also as a civil flag), whereas the version with the arms is mainly used by the government and the military. In [El Salvador](/source/Flag_of_El_Salvador), the civil ensign also differs from the national flag in the proportions.

- National flag Civil ensign [Andorra](/source/Flag_of_Andorra)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Argentina](/source/Flag_of_Argentina)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Austria](/source/Flag_of_Austria)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Baden-Württemberg](/source/Flag_of_Baden-W%C3%BCrttemberg)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Bolivia](/source/Flag_of_Bolivia)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Bremen](/source/Flag_of_Bremen)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Costa Rica](/source/Flag_of_Costa_Rica)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Dominican Republic](/source/Flag_of_the_Dominican_Republic)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Ecuador](/source/Flag_of_Ecuador)
 - National flag Civil ensign [El Salvador](/source/Flag_of_El_Salvador)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Ethiopia](/source/Flag_of_Ethiopia)
 - National flag National flag [Finland](/source/Flag_of_Finland)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Germany](/source/Flag_of_Germany)[7]
 - National flag Civil ensign [Guatemala](/source/Flag_of_Guatemala)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Haiti](/source/Flag_of_Haiti)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Hesse](/source/Flag_of_Hesse)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Hungary](/source/Flag_of_Hungary)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Mecklenburg-Vorpommern](/source/Flag_of_Mecklenburg-Vorpommern)
 - National flag Civil ensign [North Rhine-Westphalia](/source/Flag_of_North_Rhine-Westphalia)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Peru](/source/Flag_of_Peru)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Romania](/source/Flag_of_Romania)
 - National flag Civil ensign [San Marino](/source/Flag_of_San_Marino)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Saxony](/source/Flag_of_Saxony)
 - Civil ensign [Schleswig-Holstein](/source/Flag_of_Schleswig-Holstein)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Serbia](/source/Flag_of_Serbia)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Spain](/source/Flag_of_Spain)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Tajikistan](/source/Flag_of_Tajikistan)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Thuringia](/source/Flag_of_Thuringia)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Transnistria](/source/Flag_of_Transnistria)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Venezuela](/source/Flag_of_Venezuela)

### Civil ensigns with a modified coat of arms

Some civil ensigns have had their coat of arms modified with an additional feature or features to distinguish them.

- National flag Civil ensign [Berlin](/source/Flag_of_Berlin)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Hamburg](/source/Flag_of_Hamburg)

### Civil ensigns differing from the national flag in the proportions

Several former British colonies use 1:2 as a proportion for their ensigns and 3:5 for flags ashore, whereas Slovenia, Croatia and Hungary have it the other way around, with ensigns at 2:3 and flags ashore at 1:2. [France](/source/France) is a special case: the overall proportion is the same, but the bands on the ensign differ in width slightly.

- National flag Civil ensign [Belgium](/source/Flag_of_Belgium)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Croatia](/source/Flag_of_Croatia)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Grenada](/source/Flag_of_Grenada)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Hungary](/source/Flag_of_Hungary)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Lower Saxony](/source/Flag_of_Lower_Saxony)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Slovenia](/source/Flag_of_Slovenia)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Switzerland](/source/Flag_of_Switzerland)[8]
 - National flag Civil ensign [Trinidad and Tobago](/source/Flag_of_Trinidad_and_Tobago)

### Former civil ensigns no longer in current use or obsolete

- National flag Civil ensign [Albania](/source/Flag_of_Albania) (1945–1992)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Anconine Republic](/source/Anconine_Republic) (1797–1798)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Anguilla](/source/Dolphin_Flag) (1967–1969)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Australia](/source/Flag_of_Australia) (1901–1903)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Australia](/source/Flag_of_Australia) (1903–1908)
 - Flag of the Habsburg Monarchy Civil ensign [Austria-Hungary](/source/Flags_of_Austria-Hungary) (1869–1918)
 - National flag Civil ensign [The Bahamas](/source/Flag_of_the_Bahamas) (1869–1904)
 - National flag Civil ensign [The Bahamas](/source/Flag_of_the_Bahamas) (1904–1923)
 - National flag Civil ensign [The Bahamas](/source/Flag_of_the_Bahamas) (1923–1953)
 - National flag Civil ensign [The Bahamas](/source/Flag_of_the_Bahamas) (1953–1964)
 - National flag Civil ensign [The Bahamas](/source/Flag_of_the_Bahamas) (1964–1973)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Barbados](/source/Flag_of_Barbados) (1870–1966)
 - National flag Civil ensign [British Guiana](/source/Flag_of_Guyana) (1906–1919)
 - National flag Civil ensign [British Guiana](/source/Flag_of_Guyana) (1919–1955)
 - National flag Civil ensign [British Guiana](/source/Flag_of_Guyana) (1955–1966)
 - National flag Civil ensign [British Honduras](/source/Flag_of_Belize) (1870–1919)
 - National flag Civil ensign [British Honduras](/source/Flag_of_Belize) (1919–1981)
 - National flag Civil ensign [British Leeward Islands](/source/Flag_of_the_British_Leeward_Islands) (1871–1952)
 - National flag Civil ensign [British Leeward Islands](/source/Flag_of_the_British_Leeward_Islands) (1952–1958)
 - National flag Civil ensign [British Somaliland](/source/Flag_of_Somaliland) (1903–1950)
 - National flag Civil ensign [British Somaliland](/source/Flag_of_Somaliland) (1950–1952)
 - National flag Civil ensign [British Somaliland](/source/Flag_of_Somaliland) (1952–1960)
 - National flag Civil ensign [British Windward Islands](/source/Flag_of_the_British_Windward_Islands) (1903–1953)
 - National flag Civil ensign [British Windward Islands](/source/Flag_of_the_British_Windward_Islands) (1953–1958)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Burma](/source/Flag_of_Burma) (1952–1974)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Burma](/source/Flag_of_Burma) (1974–2010)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Canada](/source/Canadian_Red_Ensign) (1868–1922)
 - National flag [Canada](/source/Canadian_Red_Ensign) (1907–1922) (Unofficial)
 - National flag Civil Ensign [Canada](/source/Canadian_Red_Ensign) (1922–1957)
 - National flag Civil Ensign [Canada](/source/Canadian_Red_Ensign) (1957–1965)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Cayman Islands](/source/Flag_of_the_Cayman_Islands) (1988–1999)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Ceylon](/source/Flag_of_Sri_Lanka) (1875–1948)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Ceylon](/source/Flag_of_Sri_Lanka) (1955–1969)
 - National flag Civil ensign [China](/source/Flag_of_the_Republic_of_China) / [Taiwan](/source/Taiwan) (1929–1966)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Croatia-Slavonia](/source/Kingdom_of_Croatia-Slavonia) (1868–1918)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Croatia](/source/Banovina_of_Croatia) (1939–1941)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Croatia](/source/Independent_State_of_Croatia) (1941–1945)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Cyprus](/source/Flag_of_Cyprus) (1922–1960)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Egypt](/source/Sultanate_of_Egypt) (1914–1922)
 - National flag Civil ensign [England](/source/Flag_of_England) (1674–1707)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Ethiopia](/source/Flag_of_Ethiopia) (1975–1987)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Ethiopia](/source/Flag_of_Ethiopia) (1991–1996)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Etruria](/source/Kingdom_of_Etruria) (1803–1807)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Etruria](/source/Kingdom_of_Etruria) (1803–1807) (Smaller ships)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Falkland Islands](/source/Flag_of_the_Falkland_Islands) (1999)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Fiji](/source/Flag_of_Fiji) (1908–1970)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Finland](/source/Flag_of_Finland) (1918–1920)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Florence](/source/Republic_of_Florence) (1251–1569)
 - National flag Civil ensign [France](/source/Flag_of_France) (1600's–1789)
 - National flag Civil ensign [France](/source/Flag_of_France) (1689–1789, 1814–1830)
 - national flag Civil ensign [French Algeria](/source/Flag_of_Algeria) (1848–1910)
 - National flag Civil ensign [French Indochina](/source/Flag_of_Vietnam) (1923–1949)
 - national flag Civil ensign [French Morocco](/source/Flag_of_Morocco) (1912–1956)
 - National flag Civil ensign [The Gambia](/source/Flag_of_the_Gambia) (1889–1965)
 - [Germany](/source/Flag_of_the_German_Empire) (1896–1918)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Germany](/source/Flag_of_Germany) (1919–1933)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Germany](/source/Flag_of_Nazi_Germany) (1933–1935)
 - [Germany](/source/Flag_of_Nazi_Germany) (1935–1945)
 - National flag Civil ensign [East Germany](/source/Flag_of_East_Germany) (1959–1973)
 - National flag Civil ensign [East Germany](/source/Flag_of_East_Germany) (1959–1973) (Alternative)
 - National flag Civil ensign [West Germany](/source/West_Germany) (1949–1990)[9]
 - National flag Civil ensign [Ghana](/source/Flag_of_Ghana) (1963–1964, 1966–2003)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Ghana](/source/Flag_of_Ghana) (1964–1966)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Gold Coast](/source/Flag_of_Ghana) (1877–1957)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Great Britain](/source/Flag_of_Great_Britain) (1707–1801)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Greece](/source/Flag_of_Greece) (1774–1821)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Greece](/source/Flag_of_Greece) (1822–1828)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Greece](/source/Flag_of_Greece) (1828–1970)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Haiti](/source/Flag_of_Haiti) (1964–1986)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Hanover](/source/Kingdom_of_Hanover) (1816–1837)
 - National flag [Hong Kong](/source/Flag_of_Hong_Kong_(1871%E2%80%931997)) (1876–1955) (Unofficial)
 - National flag [Hong Kong](/source/Flag_of_Hong_Kong_(1871%E2%80%931997)) (1955–1959) (Unofficial)
 - National flag [Hong Kong](/source/Flag_of_Hong_Kong_(1871%E2%80%931997)) (1959–1997) (Unofficial)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Hungary](/source/Flag_of_Hungary) (1921–1946)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Hungary](/source/Flag_of_Hungary) (1950–1957)
 - National flag Civil ensign [India](/source/Flags_of_British_India) (1880–1947)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Persia](/source/Qajar_Iran) and later [Iran](/source/Flag_of_Iran) (1910–1933)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Iran](/source/Flag_of_Iran) (1933–1964)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Iran](/source/Flag_of_Iran) (1964–1980)
 - National flag Civl ensign [Ireland](/source/Green_Ensign) (1701–1801)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Ireland](/source/Green_Ensign) (1801–1922)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Piedmont-Sardinia](/source/Flag_of_Piedmont) and later [Italy](/source/Flag_of_Italy) (1851–1946)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Jamaica](/source/Flag_of_Jamaica) (1906–1957)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Jamaica](/source/Flag_of_Jamaica) (1957–1962)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Jamaica](/source/Flag_of_Jamaica) (1962)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Kazakhstan](/source/Flag_of_Kazakhstan) (1991–1992)
 - National flag Civil ensign [British East Africa](/source/East_Africa_Protectorate) and later [Kenya](/source/Flag_of_Kenya) (1895–1963)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Kyrgyzstan](/source/Flag_of_Kyrgyzstan) (1991–1992)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Lucca](/source/Republic_of_Lucca) (1200's-1799)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Lucca](/source/Republic_of_Lucca) (1801–1805)
 - National flag civil ensign [Lucca](/source/Duchy_of_Lucca) (1818–1824)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Lucca](/source/Duchy_of_Lucca) (1819–1820)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Lucca](/source/Duchy_of_Lucca) (1820–1847)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Malaya](/source/Federation_of_Malaya) (1957–1963)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Malta](/source/Flag_of_Malta) (1898–1943)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Malta](/source/Flag_of_Malta) (1943–1964)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Mauritius](/source/Flag_of_Mauritius) (1906–1968)
 - National flag Civil Ensign [Mecklenburg-Schwerin](/source/Flag_of_Mecklenburg) (1863–1918)
 - National flag Civil Ensign [Modena and Reggio](/source/Duchy_of_Modena_and_Reggio) (1830–1859)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Montenegro](/source/Flag_of_Montenegro) (1905–1918)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Newfoundland](/source/Flag_of_Newfoundland_and_Labrador) (1904–1949)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Nigeria](/source/Flag_of_Nigeria_(1914%E2%80%931960)) (1914–1952)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Nigeria](/source/Flag_of_Nigeria_(1914%E2%80%931960)) (1952–1960)
 - National flag Civil ensign [North Borneo](/source/Flag_of_Sabah) (1882–1902)
 - National flag Civil ensign [North Borneo](/source/Flag_of_Sabah) (1902–1942, 1945–1946)
 - National flag Civil ensign [North Borneo](/source/Flag_of_Sabah) (1948–1963)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Ottoman Empire](/source/Flags_of_the_Ottoman_Empire) (1774–1793)[10]
 - National flag Civil ensign [Pakistan](/source/Flag_of_Pakistan) (1956–1958)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Palestine](/source/Flag_of_Mandatory_Palestine) (1927–1948)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Parma and Piacenza](/source/Duchy_of_Parma_and_Piacenza) (1851–1859)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Piedmont-Sardinia](/source/Flag_of_Piedmont) (1720–1799)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Piedmont-Sardinia](/source/Flag_of_Piedmont) (1799–1802)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Piedmont-Sardinia](/source/Flag_of_Piedmont) (1802–1814)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Piedmont-Sardinia](/source/Flag_of_Piedmont) (1814–1816)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Piedmont-Sardinia](/source/Flag_of_Piedmont) (1816–1848)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Poland](/source/Flag_of_Poland) (1919–1928)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Poland](/source/Flag_of_Poland) (1955–1980)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Poland](/source/Flag_of_Poland) (1980–1990)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Prussia](/source/Flag_of_Prussia) (1823–1863)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Prussia](/source/Flag_of_Prussia) (1863–1892)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Prussia](/source/Flag_of_Prussia) (1892–1918)
 - National flag [Prussia](/source/Flag_of_Prussia) (1918–1935)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Ryukyu Islands](/source/Flag_of_Ryukyu) (1952–1967)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Ryukyu Islands](/source/Flag_of_Ryukyu) (1967–1972)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Sarawak](/source/Flag_of_Sarawak) (1870–1946)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Sarawak](/source/Flag_of_Sarawak) (1947–1963)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Saxony-Anhalt](/source/Flag_of_Saxony-Anhalt) (1991–2017)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Serbia](/source/Kingdom_of_Serbia) (1835–1918)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Serbia](/source/Flag_of_Serbia) (2006–2010)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Seychelles](/source/Flag_of_Seychelles) (1903–1961)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Seychelles](/source/Flag_of_Seychelles) (1961–1976)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Sierra Leone](/source/Flag_of_Sierra_Leone) (1916–1961)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Singapore](/source/Flag_of_Singapore) (1946–1952)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Singapore](/source/Flag_of_Singapore) (1952–1959)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Solomon Islands](/source/Flag_of_Solomon_Islands) (1906–1947)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Solomon Islands](/source/Flag_of_Solomon_Islands) (1947–1956)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Solomon Islands](/source/Flag_of_Solomon_Islands) (1956–1977)
 - National flag Civil ensign [South Africa](/source/South_African_Red_Ensign) (1910–1912)
 - National flag Civil ensign [South Africa](/source/South_African_Red_Ensign) (1912–1951)
 - National flag Civil ensign [South Australia](/source/Flag_of_South_Australia) (1870–1876)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Spain](/source/Flag_of_Spain) (1785–1927)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Spain](/source/Flag_of_the_Second_Spanish_Republic) (1931–1939)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Spanish Morocco](/source/Flag_of_Morocco) (1937–1956)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Straits Settlements](/source/Straits_Settlements) (1874–1904)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Straits Settlements](/source/Straits_Settlements) (1904–1942, 1945–1946)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Tajikistan](/source/Flag_of_Tajikistan) (1991–1992)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Tangier International Zone](/source/Tangier_International_Zone) (1953–1957)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Trinidad and Tobago](/source/Flag_of_Trinidad_and_Tobago) (1889–1958)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Trinidad and Tobago](/source/Flag_of_Trinidad_and_Tobago) (1958–1962)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Turkmenistan](/source/Flag_of_Turkmenistan) (1991–1992)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Turks and Caicos Islands](/source/Flag_of_the_Turks_and_Caicos_Islands) (1968–1999)
 - National flag Civil Ensign [Tuscany](/source/Flag_of_Tuscany) (1600's-1737)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Tuscany](/source/Flag_of_Tuscany) (1781–1800, 1815–1848, 1849–1860)
 - National flag [Tuscany](/source/Flag_of_Tuscany) (1824–1848, 1849–1860)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Ukraine](/source/Flag_of_Ukraine) (1991–1992)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Venezuela](/source/Flag_of_Venezuela) (1863–1905)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Venezuela](/source/Flag_of_Venezuela) (1905–1930)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Venezuela](/source/Flag_of_Venezuela) (1930–2006)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Victoria](/source/Flag_of_Victoria_(state)) (1870–1877)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Yugoslavia](/source/Flag_of_Yugoslavia) (1919–1943)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Yugoslavia](/source/Flag_of_Yugoslavia) (1950–1992)
 - National flag Civil ensign [Yugoslavia](/source/Flag_of_Yugoslavia) and later [Serbia and Montenegro](/source/Flag_of_Serbia_and_Montenegro) (1992–2006)

## See also

- [Civil and merchant ensigns](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Civil_and_merchant_ensigns)

- [Civil flag](/source/Civil_flag)

- [Civil air ensign](/source/Civil_air_ensign)

- [Gallery of sovereign state civil ensigns](/source/Gallery_of_sovereign_state_civil_ensigns)

## Remarks

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** The [Australian national flag](/source/Flag_of_Australia) is also used for smaller ships.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** The [UAE national flag](/source/Flag_of_the_United_Arab_Emirates) is also reported as civil ensign.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** The plain red ensign is also used in the British overseas territories of [Anguilla](/source/Flag_of_Anguilla), the [British Indian Ocean Territory](/source/Flag_of_the_British_Indian_Ocean_Territory), [Montserrat](/source/Flag_of_Montserrat), the [Pitcairn Islands](/source/Flag_of_the_Pitcairn_Islands) and [Saint Helena](/source/Flag_of_Saint_Helena).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** [Bermuda](/source/Bermuda)'s flag and civil ensign are the same and is used on ships registered in Bermuda in lieu of the British Red Ensign.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** The [Moroccan national flag](/source/Flag_of_Morocco) is also reported as civil ensign.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** The circled X is replaced with the club emblem.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Previously used by [West Germany](/source/West_Germany) prior to German Reunification in 1990.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** The [square flag](/source/Flag_of_Switzerland) is used on most rivers and lakes.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** Since German Reunification, flag continues to be used as Germany's national flag & civil ensign.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Garrison, William (7 April 2024). ["Ottoman Empire (Turkey, 1299-1923)"](https://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/tr-ottom.html). *Flags of the World*.

v t e Lists of flags Master list Reference list State-related African derivative Arab states Christian Civil flag Country Date of adoption Heads of state Historical flags Former sovereign states Formerly independent Timeline By year Islamic State flag State flags and ensigns Sovereign Special and fictional Unrecognized Mobile military Armed forces Army and ground forces Air forces Air force roundels Air force fin flashes Maritime Ministry of defense Naval ensigns Naval jack Mobile civil service Border and coast guard forces Police flag Mobile civilian Civil air Civil and merchant navy Civil ensign House flag Pilot boat flags and ensigns Yacht flags and ensigns Other entities Capitals Cultural Dependent territories Ethnic International organizations Micronations Olympics and the Paralympics Pride flags Proposals Religious By design (national) By element Animals Astronomical Bicolor Borders British ensigns Buildings Canton Circles Color by combination Crescents Crosses Cross of Trier Nordic Saints banners Saints' crosses Devices Diamonds Flags Geographical Headgear Inscriptions Arabic English Latin Russian Spanish Keys Maps Nautical Plants People Quartered Solids Stars Trees Triangles Tribands Two-sided Watercraft Weapons By shape Non-rectangular Proportions By nations Africa Algeria Angola Benin Botswana Burkina Faso Burundi Cameroon Cape Verde Central African Republic Chad Comoros Democratic Republic of the Congo Republic of the Congo Djibouti Egypt governorates Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Eswatini Ethiopia Gabon The Gambia Ghana Guinea Guinea-Bissau Ivory Coast Kenya counties Lesotho Liberia Libya Madagascar Malawi Mali Mauritania Mauritius Morocco Mozambique Namibia Niger Nigeria Rwanda São Tomé and Príncipe Senegal Seychelles Sierra Leone Somaliland Somalia South Africa South Sudan Sudan Tanzania Togo Tunisia Uganda Zambia Zimbabwe Rhodesia Antarctica Antarctica Asia Afghanistan Armenia Azerbaijan Bahrain Bangladesh Bhutan Brunei Cambodia China Hong Kong Macau Cyprus Egypt Georgia India states armed forces Indonesia Iran Iraq Israel Japan prefectures municipalities Jordan Kazakhstan Korea North Korea South Korea Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Lebanon Malaysia Maldives Mongolia Myanmar Nepal Oman Pakistan Palestine Philippines provinces coastwise emblem Qatar Russia federal subjects Sakha Russian Navy Saudi Arabia Singapore Soviet Union republics Soviet Navy Sri Lanka Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Thailand armed forces Timor-Leste Turkey Turkmenistan United Arab Emirates Uzbekistan Vietnam Yemen Europe Albania Andorra Armenia Austria states Austria-Hungary Azerbaijan Belarus Belgium Brussels Bosnia and Herzegovina Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France regions communes Brittany Corsica Île-de-France Occitanie Pays de la Loire French Empire Georgia Germany states districts municipalities Greece Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy regions Kazakhstan Kosovo Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Moldova Monaco Montenegro Netherlands royal standards provinces municipalities North Macedonia Norway Poland naval and maritime voivodeships Portugal personal standards municipalities Romania Russia federal subjects Sakha Russian Navy San Marino Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Soviet Union republics Soviet Navy Spain autonomous communities provinces Sweden Switzerland cantons municipalities Turkey Ukraine oblasts United Kingdom England Cornwall Northern Ireland Scotland Wales cities, towns and villages British Empire Vatican City/Holy See Yugoslavia North America Antigua and Barbuda Bahamas Barbados Belize Canada lieutenant governors Costa Rica Cuba Dominica Dominican Republic El Salvador Grenada Guatemala Haiti Honduras Jamaica Mexico states municipalities Nicaragua Panama Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Trinidad and Tobago United States states and territories ensigns jacks armed forces Puerto Rico CSA Oceania Australia state governors Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Norfolk Island Federated States of Micronesia Fiji Kiribati Marshall Islands Nauru New Zealand Palau states Papua New Guinea Samoa Solomon Islands Tonga Tuvalu Vanuatu South America Argentina Bolivia Brazil Chile Colombia Ecuador Guyana Paraguay Peru Suriname Uruguay Venezuela Names in italics indicate non-sovereign (dependent) territories, disputed states and/or former countries.

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Civil ensign](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_ensign) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_ensign?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.