AUSTRIA

The flag of Austria has three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and red. Together with the Danish flag, the Austrian flag is said to be among the oldest national flag designs in the world. According to legend, the flag was invented by Duke Leopold V of Austria while he was involved in a fierce battle during the Crusades. After the battle, his white battledress was completely drenched in blood, but when he removed his belt the cloth underneath was untouched by it. So taken was he by this singular sight that he adopted the colors and scheme as his banner.