Romania has used the flag since 1866, which appeared for the first time in its current form in Wallachia. It was officially in use from 1866 until 1948, when it was superseded by the flag of the Socialist Republic of Romania.

Chad began to use its present flag in 1960, after it achieved independence from France. When Chad adopted its flag, Romania's flag also included an emblem in the middle of the flag on top of the tricolour.

However, in 1989 Romania's government was overthrown and the insignia was removed, reverting Romania's flag to the prewar version which matched the one which had been adopted by Chad in the meantime.