In pre-revolutionary France, the order of society comprising the common people as distinct from members of the first estate (clergy) or the second estate (nobility). All three met collectively as the States General.
Blue represents the sky and the sea. Yellow symbolizes the sun which gives light and life. Red reflects the people and their determination to work in the future in unity and love. White stands for justice and harmony. Green recalls the land and nature. Effective date: 8 January 1996.