Island group off the west coast of Greece; area 860 sq km/332 sq mi; population (2001) 209,600. A British protectorate from 1815 until their cession to Greece in 1864, they include Cephalonia (Greek Kefallonia); Corfu (Kérkyra), a Venetian possession (13861797); Cythera (Kithira); Ithaca (Ithaki), the traditional home of Odysseus; Lefkada; Paxos (Paxoí); and Zanté (Zakynthos).
Black and red recall the tunics worn by soldiers during the Napoleonic wars. Gold was added to create a flag similar to the French tricolour, a symbol of revolution. Effective date: 23 May 1949.