This flag, white with five red crosses, outnumbered all other signs in the street demonstrations of the Rose Revolution of November 2003. National elections held earlier that month were widely considered invalid because of inconsistencies and suspected fraud. Public outcry led to the resignation of President Edvard Shevardnadze. His primary opponent, Mikhail Saakashvili, was elected president on January 4, 2004. Ten days later the Georgian Parliament adopted the nation’s new flag.
The new flag's historical roots are vague, although it is said to have been used during the 12th through 14th centuries.
Left: Georgian flag until January 2004
