Adopted in 1882. The Serbian flag has three equal horizontal stripes of red (top), blue, and white - the Pan-Slav colors representing freedom and revolutionary ideals. Charged with the coat of arms of Serbia shifted slightly to the hoist side, the principal field of the coat of arms represents the Serbian state and displays a white two-headed eagle on a red shield. A smaller red shield on the eagle represents the Serbian nation, and is divided into four quarters by a white cross. Interpretations vary as to the meaning and origin of the white, curved symbols resembling fire steels or Cyrillic "C's" in each quarter; a royal crown surmounts the coat of arms. (ref: CIA World Factbook)