The Croatian flag features a goat as part of its design, specifically within its crest.
The Symbolism on the Croatian Flag
The flag of Croatia is a tricolor of red, white, and blue with the Coat of Arms of Croatia in the center. This complex coat of arms is composed of the main shield (the checky red and white pattern) topped by a crown made of five smaller shields representing different historical regions of Croatia.
According to the reference provided:
- The Croatian flag includes a coat of arms featuring symbols from various regions.
- Among the animals depicted, a goat is present on the crest representing Istria.
- Other animals on the crest include three leopards on Dalmatia's crest and a marten on Slavonia's crest.
Therefore, while the goat isn't the main or only symbol, it is officially included on the flag through the crest of Istria, which is part of the overall Croatian coat of arms displayed on the flag.
Breakdown of the Croatian Coat of Arms Elements
The crown above the main shield consists of five historical coats of arms:
- The oldest known Croatian coat of arms (a golden six-pointed star over a silver crescent moon on a red shield)
- The Republic of Dubrovnik (two red stripes on a blue shield)
- Dalmatia (three crowned golden leopards on a blue shield)
- Istria (a golden goat with red hooves on a blue shield)
- Slavonia (a red six-pointed star above a marten on a red shield, bordered by two white stripes)
The presence of the golden goat on the blue shield representing Istria confirms that the Croatian flag incorporates a goat within its official symbolism.
Key Animal Symbols on the Croatian Flag:
| Region | Animal Symbol | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Dalmatia | Leopards | Three crowned golden leopards |
| Istria | Goat | A golden goat with red hooves |
| Slavonia | Marten | A marten (kunica) |
This detailed crest is prominently displayed in the center of the Croatian flag, meaning the flag effectively "has a goat on it" as part of its rich historical symbolism.
