National Flags
🏳️ National Flags Database: Comprehensive collection of official national flags, flag colors, flag meanings and symbolism for 195+ sovereign nations worldwide. Discover flag history, designer information, Pantone color codes, and fascinating flag facts. Essential reference for vexillology enthusiasts, designers, educators and anyone interested in flag symbolism. Browse flags by continents: Africa | Asia | Europe | Americas | Oceania.
📄 Page 1 of 10Showing 1 - 25 of 245 flags
🎨 Flag Description
Plain white field with black Shahada inscription
🌈 Colors & Meanings
White
White represents peace, purity and the Islamic faith
⭐ Symbols & Design Elements
Shahada (Islamic creed) in black
The Shahada represents the Islamic declaration of faith
💡 Interesting Fact
Afghanistan has changed its flag more times than any other country - over 20 times since 1900
🕰️ Historical Versions
Previous flag (2004-2021) featured black, red, green tricolor with national emblem
⚖️ Flag Protocol & Usage
Used by de facto Taliban government since August 2021
🎨 Flag Description
Blue field with yellow Nordic cross outlined in red
🌈 Colors & Meanings
BlueYellowRed
Blue and yellow from Swedish flag; Red represents Finland
⭐ Symbols & Design Elements
Nordic cross with red border
Swedish heritage with Finnish connection
💡 Interesting Fact
The flag combines elements from both Sweden (blue and yellow) and Finland (red) to represent Åland's unique autonomous status
🕰️ Historical Versions
Used unofficial flags before 1954
⚖️ Flag Protocol & Usage
Flown alongside Finnish and Swedish flags on official occasions
🎨 Flag Description
Red field with a black silhouetted double-headed eagle in the center
🌈 Colors & Meanings
RedBlack
Red represents bravery, strength and valor; Black represents the double-headed eagle
⭐ Symbols & Design Elements
Double-headed eagle
The black double-headed eagle is a symbol of Albanian national hero Skanderbeg and represents the sovereign state looking both to the east and west
💡 Interesting Fact
The eagle design dates back to the 15th century hero Skanderbeg who defended Albania against Ottoman invasion
🕰️ Historical Versions
Communist era flag (1946-1992) included a gold-bordered red star above the eagle
⚖️ Flag Protocol & Usage
The eagle must always face left (viewer perspective) and be perfectly centered
🎨 Flag Description
Vertical bicolor of green and white with a red crescent encircling a red five-pointed star centered on the dividing line
🌈 Colors & Meanings
GreenWhiteRed
Green represents Islam and paradise; White represents purity and peace; Red represents the blood of martyrs who died for independence
⭐ Symbols & Design Elements
Red crescent and star
The crescent and star are traditional symbols of Islam; the red color symbolizes liberty
💡 Interesting Fact
The flag was first raised during the Algerian War of Independence and became official upon independence from France in 1962
🕰️ Historical Versions
Used by FLN (National Liberation Front) during independence war (1954-1962)
⚖️ Flag Protocol & Usage
The green side should always be on the hoist (left) side
🎨 Flag Description
Red-edged white triangle pointing left with blue triangle and eagle emblem
🌈 Colors & Meanings
RedWhiteBlue
Red represents courage; White represents purity; Blue represents freedom
⭐ Symbols & Design Elements
Bald eagle, fue (war club), nifo oti (fly whisk)
Eagle represents USA; fue and nifo oti represent Samoan culture and wisdom of chiefs
💡 Interesting Fact
The eagle holds a fue (Samoan war club) and nifo oti (fly whisk), symbols of Samoan authority
🕰️ Historical Versions
Various designs used before 1960
⚖️ Flag Protocol & Usage
Flown alongside US flag; US flag takes precedence
🎨 Flag Description
Vertical tricolor of blue, yellow and red with the national coat of arms in the center
🌈 Colors & Meanings
BlueYellowRed
Blue and red are taken from France, while yellow and red are taken from Spain, reflecting Andorra co-princes from both countries
⭐ Symbols & Design Elements
National coat of arms in center yellow band
The coat of arms features symbols of the four regions historically connected to Andorra
💡 Interesting Fact
Andorra flag is similar to Moldova and Chad flags but distinguished by its unique ratio and coat of arms
🕰️ Historical Versions
Plain tricolor was used before 1866; coat of arms added later
⚖️ Flag Protocol & Usage
The civil flag omits the coat of arms; state flag always includes it
🎨 Flag Description
Horizontal bicolor of red and black with a yellow emblem in the center consisting of a five-pointed star, half a cogwheel and a machete
🌈 Colors & Meanings
RedBlackYellow
Red represents the blood shed during the struggle for independence; Black represents Africa and the African people; Yellow represents the country mineral wealth
⭐ Symbols & Design Elements
Machete, gear wheel (cogwheel), star
The machete represents agriculture and armed struggle; the cogwheel represents industrial workers and industry; the star represents international solidarity and progress
💡 Interesting Fact
The flag emblem is nearly identical to the Soviet hammer and sickle, reflecting Angola socialist history
🕰️ Historical Versions
Portuguese colonial flag used until 1975
⚖️ Flag Protocol & Usage
The cogwheel must be oriented with the opening facing left
🎨 Flag Description
Blue ensign with Union Jack in canton and coat of arms featuring three orange dolphins
🌈 Colors & Meanings
BlueWhiteOrange
Blue represents sea and sky; White represents peace; Orange represents strength
⭐ Symbols & Design Elements
Three dolphins in circular formation
Dolphins represent friendship, wisdom, and strength; circular formation represents continuity
💡 Interesting Fact
The three dolphins represent endurance, unity, and strength, arranged in a circle to symbolize continuity
🕰️ Historical Versions
Used variations of blue ensign before 1990
⚖️ Flag Protocol & Usage
British overseas territory protocol applies
🎨 Flag Description
Red field with an inverted triangle based at the top edge divided into three horizontal bands of black, blue and white with a yellow rising sun in the black band
🌈 Colors & Meanings
RedWhiteBlueBlackYellow
Red represents the dynamism of the people; Blue represents hope and the Caribbean Sea; Black represents the African heritage; Yellow represents the dawn of a new era; White represents the sand of the beaches
⭐ Symbols & Design Elements
Rising sun with seven rays, inverted V-shape
The rising sun represents the dawning of a new era; the seven rays represent the seven parishes of Antigua; the inverted V represents victory
💡 Interesting Fact
The designer, Reginald Samuel, was a school teacher who won a national competition to create the new flag
🕰️ Historical Versions
British colonial flag used until 1967
⚖️ Flag Protocol & Usage
The sun must have exactly seven rays, no more, no less
🎨 Flag Description
Three equal horizontal bands of light blue, white and light blue with the yellow Sun of May centered in the white band
🌈 Colors & Meanings
Light Blue (Celeste)White
Light blue and white represent the clear skies and snow of the Andes Mountains; also represent the House of Bourbon royal family
⭐ Symbols & Design Elements
Sun of May (Sol de Mayo)
The Sun of May represents the Inca sun god Inti and commemorates the May Revolution of 1810
💡 Interesting Fact
The exact shade of blue was officially specified in 2010 after centuries of variation
🕰️ Historical Versions
Original 1812 design had no sun; the Sun of May was added in 1818
⚖️ Flag Protocol & Usage
The ornamental (ceremonial) flag includes the sun; the civil flag may omit it
🎨 Flag Description
Three equal horizontal bands of red, blue and orange
🌈 Colors & Meanings
RedBlueOrange
Red symbolizes the Armenian Highland, Armenian people struggle for survival, Christianity and Armenian freedom; Blue represents the will of the people to live under peaceful skies; Orange represents the creative talent and hard-working nature of Armenian people
⭐ Symbols & Design Elements
None (plain tricolor)
💡 Interesting Fact
Armenia was the first country to adopt Christianity as a state religion (301 AD), reflected in the flag red color
🕰️ Historical Versions
Soviet Armenian SSR flag used 1936-1990; First Republic flag 1918-1920
⚖️ Flag Protocol & Usage
Flag must never touch the ground and should be raised at sunrise and lowered at sunset
🎨 Flag Description
Light blue field with two narrow yellow stripes and red four-pointed star
🌈 Colors & Meanings
BlueYellowRedWhite
Blue represents sea and sky; Yellow represents prosperity; Red star represents love and patriotism; White represents beaches
⭐ Symbols & Design Elements
Four-pointed red star with white outline
Four points represent four major languages and cultures; red represents love for the island
💡 Interesting Fact
The unique light blue color represents the Caribbean Sea and was specifically chosen to distinguish Aruba
🕰️ Historical Versions
Was part of Netherlands Antilles before 1976
⚖️ Flag Protocol & Usage
Flown alongside Kingdom of Netherlands flag on official occasions
🎨 Flag Description
Blue field with the Union Jack in the canton, a large seven-pointed Commonwealth Star below it, and Southern Cross constellation on the fly side
🌈 Colors & Meanings
BlueWhiteRed
Blue represents the ocean surrounding Australia; The Union Jack represents historical ties to Britain; White and red stars represent the Southern Cross constellation
⭐ Symbols & Design Elements
Union Jack, Southern Cross constellation (5 stars), Commonwealth Star (7-pointed)
Union Jack represents British heritage; Southern Cross represents Australia location in Southern Hemisphere; Commonwealth Star seven points represent six states plus territories
💡 Interesting Fact
The flag design was chosen from 32,823 entries in a competition held in 1901
🕰️ Historical Versions
1903-1908 version had six-pointed Commonwealth Star; became seven-pointed in 1908
⚖️ Flag Protocol & Usage
Should never be flown upside down except as a distress signal
🎨 Flag Description
Three equal horizontal bands of red, white and red
🌈 Colors & Meanings
RedWhite
According to legend, the red-white-red comes from Duke Leopold V blood-stained white tunic from the Battle of Acre (1191)
⭐ Symbols & Design Elements
None (plain triband)
💡 Interesting Fact
One of the oldest national flags in the world, with origins dating back to 1191
🕰️ Historical Versions
Used 1918-1933, banned 1933-1945 under Nazi rule, readopted 1945
⚖️ Flag Protocol & Usage
The state flag includes the Austrian coat of arms in the center white band
🎨 Flag Description
Three equal horizontal bands of blue, red and green with a white crescent and eight-pointed star in the center red band
🌈 Colors & Meanings
BlueRedGreen
Blue represents Turkic heritage and the sky; Red represents progress and modernization; Green represents Islam and nature
⭐ Symbols & Design Elements
White crescent and eight-pointed star
The crescent represents Islam; the eight-pointed star represents the eight Turkic peoples and eight letters of the word "Azerbaijan" in Arabic script
💡 Interesting Fact
The eight points of the star also symbolize the eight branches of Turkic peoples
🕰️ Historical Versions
Soviet Azerbaijan SSR flag used 1920-1991
⚖️ Flag Protocol & Usage
Must be displayed with blue band on top
🎨 Flag Description
Red field with a white serrated band on the hoist side with five white triangles forming a zigzag pattern
🌈 Colors & Meanings
RedWhite
Red represents the Kharijite sect of Islam; White represents peace and the Islamic faith
⭐ Symbols & Design Elements
Five white triangles forming a serrated line
The five triangles represent the five pillars of Islam
💡 Interesting Fact
Bahrain red is distinctively darker than Qatar red to differentiate the two similar flags
🕰️ Historical Versions
Had 8 points from 1972-2002; changed to 5 points in 2002 to represent the five pillars of Islam
⚖️ Flag Protocol & Usage
The serrated edge must have exactly five points
🎨 Flag Description
Green field with a red disc slightly left of center
🌈 Colors & Meanings
GreenRed
Green represents the lushness of the land and vegetation; Red represents the blood shed during the liberation war and the rising sun of independence
⭐ Symbols & Design Elements
Red circle (disc)
The red disc represents the sun rising over Bengal and the blood of those who died for Bangladesh independence
💡 Interesting Fact
The disc is off-center to the left so it appears centered when the flag flies
🕰️ Historical Versions
Original 1971 flag included a golden map of Bangladesh inside the red disc; removed in 1972 for simplicity
⚖️ Flag Protocol & Usage
The red disc should be positioned so it appears centered when the flag is flying
🎨 Flag Description
Vertical triband of blue, yellow and blue with a black trident head emblem centered in the yellow band
🌈 Colors & Meanings
Ultramarine BlueYellow
Blue represents the ocean and the sky; Yellow represents the sand of Barbados beaches
⭐ Symbols & Design Elements
Black trident head (broken trident of Poseidon)
The broken trident represents a break from colonial status; the three points represent government of, for and by the people
💡 Interesting Fact
The flag designer won a national competition with over 1,000 entries
🕰️ Historical Versions
British colonial flag used until independence in 1966
⚖️ Flag Protocol & Usage
The trident head must be oriented pointing upward
🎨 Flag Description
Two horizontal bands of red (twice the width) above green with a vertical red and white traditional ornamental pattern on the hoist side
🌈 Colors & Meanings
RedGreenWhite (decorative pattern)
Red symbolizes the courage and sacrifice of the Belarus people; Green represents hope, spring, rebirth, and the forests of Belarus
⭐ Symbols & Design Elements
Traditional Belarusian ornamental pattern (rushnik pattern) on hoist side
The ornamental pattern represents Belarusian culture, unity and the agricultural heritage
💡 Interesting Fact
Belarus is the only ex-Soviet republic to retain a Soviet-style flag design
🕰️ Historical Versions
White-red-white flag used 1991-1995; Soviet era flag 1951-1991; current design based on Soviet flag
⚖️ Flag Protocol & Usage
The ornamental pattern should be on the left (hoist) side
🎨 Flag Description
Three equal vertical bands of black, yellow and red
🌈 Colors & Meanings
BlackYellowRed
The colors come from the coat of arms of the Duchy of Brabant - a yellow lion with red claws and tongue on a black field
⭐ Symbols & Design Elements
None (plain tricolor)
💡 Interesting Fact
Belgium has an unusual 13:15 ratio, making it almost square - one of the few non-square flags with such proportions
🕰️ Historical Versions
Originally designed horizontally (1830), changed to vertical in 1831 to differentiate from Netherlands flag
⚖️ Flag Protocol & Usage
Black should be on the hoist (left) side
🎨 Flag Description
Blue field with red stripe on top and bottom edges, featuring the national coat of arms in a white disc in the center
🌈 Colors & Meanings
BlueRedWhite
Blue represents the People United Party; Red represents the United Democratic Party; Together they represent national unity
⭐ Symbols & Design Elements
Coat of arms with two woodcutters, mahogany tree, ship, red stripes
Woodcutters represent ethnic diversity (Mestizo and Afro-Belizean); mahogany tree represents forestry industry; ship represents maritime history
💡 Interesting Fact
Belize flag has the most colors of any national flag in the world (12 colors) due to the detailed coat of arms
🕰️ Historical Versions
British Honduras colonial flag used until independence in 1981
⚖️ Flag Protocol & Usage
The coat of arms must be displayed on both sides of the flag
🎨 Flag Description
Vertical green band on the hoist side with two horizontal bands of yellow and red on the fly side
🌈 Colors & Meanings
GreenYellowRed
Green represents hope and revival; Yellow represents the wealth of the nation; Red represents courage and ancestors blood
⭐ Symbols & Design Elements
None (plain design)
💡 Interesting Fact
The original pan-African colors flag was readopted after the fall of Marxist government in 1990
🕰️ Historical Versions
Flag of Dahomey (1959-1975); Marxist flag with red field and green star (1975-1990)
⚖️ Flag Protocol & Usage
Green band must be on the hoist (left) side
🎨 Flag Description
Red ensign with Union Jack in canton and Bermuda coat of arms on fly
🌈 Colors & Meanings
RedWhiteBlueGreen
Red ensign represents British maritime heritage
⭐ Symbols & Design Elements
Ship (Sea Venture) on coat of arms
Sea Venture shipwreck of 1609 that led to Bermuda's settlement
💡 Interesting Fact
One of the few territories still using red ensign; the Sea Venture shipwreck inspired Shakespeare's "The Tempest"
🕰️ Historical Versions
Similar design used since 1910, officially adopted 1999
⚖️ Flag Protocol & Usage
British overseas territory protocol applies
🎨 Flag Description
Diagonal split with yellow on top-left and orange on bottom-right, featuring a white dragon across the center
🌈 Colors & Meanings
YellowOrangeWhite
Yellow represents the secular authority of the king; Orange represents Buddhist spiritual tradition; White dragon represents purity
⭐ Symbols & Design Elements
White dragon (Druk) holding jewels
The thunder dragon represents Bhutan (Land of the Thunder Dragon); the jewels represent wealth and perfection
💡 Interesting Fact
Bhutan is known as "Druk Yul" meaning Land of the Thunder Dragon, reflected in the flag
🕰️ Historical Versions
Earlier versions had different dragon designs and colors
⚖️ Flag Protocol & Usage
The dragon must always be depicted holding jewels in its claws
🎨 Flag Description
Three equal horizontal bands of red, yellow and green
🌈 Colors & Meanings
RedYellowGreen
Red represents the blood shed by heroes; Yellow represents mineral wealth; Green represents the fertility of the land
⭐ Symbols & Design Elements
National coat of arms in center (state flag)
The coat of arms features Mount Potosí, alpaca, breadfruit tree, and 10 stars representing the departments
💡 Interesting Fact
Bolivia recognizes the indigenous Wiphala flag as a dual national symbol alongside the tricolor
🕰️ Historical Versions
Multiple variations existed during independence period (1825-1851)
⚖️ Flag Protocol & Usage
Civil flag is plain tricolor; state flag includes coat of arms
🏳️ Understanding National Flags: A Complete Guide
📋 What are National Flags?
National flags are official symbols of sovereignty and national identity used by countries worldwide. Each flag's colors, symbols and design patterns have been carefully chosen to represent a nation's history, values, culture and aspirations. The study of flags is called vexillology, from the Latin word vexillum (flag).
🎨 Common Flag Elements
- Colors: Red (bravery/bloodshed), Blue (freedom/water), Green (land/Islam/hope), Yellow/Gold (wealth/sun), White (peace/purity), Black (determination/ethnicity)
- Symbols: Stars (states/provinces), Crosses (Christianity), Crescents (Islam), Suns (independence), Animals (national character), Plants (agriculture/nature)
- Patterns: Horizontal/vertical stripes, crosses, diagonal divisions, cantons (rectangular corner section)
- Aspect Ratio: Width to height proportion - Common: 2:3, 1:2, 3:5. Nepal is the only non-rectangular flag
💼 Flag Applications
- Government Buildings: Federal offices, embassies, consulates, parliament and state institutions
- International Events: Olympics, UN meetings, diplomatic summits and sporting competitions
- Military: Armed forces, naval vessels, aircraft insignia and ceremonial displays
- Commercial: Airlines, shipping vessels, international trade and tourism marketing
- Celebrations: National holidays, independence days, state ceremonies and patriotic events
- Education: Schools, universities, geography lessons and cultural studies
🌍 Flag Families
Nordic Cross: Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland
Pan-Slavic Colors: Russia, Serbia, Croatia, Slovakia (red, blue, white)
Pan-African Colors: Ghana, Ethiopia, Guinea (red, yellow, green)
Pan-Arab Colors: Jordan, Palestine, Sudan, UAE (red, black, white, green)
Union Jack Derivatives: Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tuvalu
Pan-Slavic Colors: Russia, Serbia, Croatia, Slovakia (red, blue, white)
Pan-African Colors: Ghana, Ethiopia, Guinea (red, yellow, green)
Pan-Arab Colors: Jordan, Palestine, Sudan, UAE (red, black, white, green)
Union Jack Derivatives: Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tuvalu
Fascinating Flag Facts & World Records
- Oldest Flag: Denmark's Dannebrog (since 1370, over 650 years old)
- Only Non-Rectangular: Nepal (two stacked triangular pennants)
- Square Flags: Switzerland and Vatican City (1:1 ratio)
- Two Different Sides: Paraguay has different emblems front and back
- War Indicator: Philippines reverses colors during wartime
- Modern Weapon: Mozambique features an AK-47 rifle
- Never Half-Mast: Saudi Arabia (contains Islamic Shahada)
- Solid Color: Libya 1977-2011 (all green, no symbols)
- Most Colors: South Africa (6 colors: red, green, blue, yellow, black, white)
- Student Design: USA flag designed by 17-year-old Robert G. Heft
⚖️ Flag Etiquette & Protocol
National flags are protected symbols under international law. Proper flag protocol includes: flying at half-mast during mourning periods, never touching the ground, displaying with respect during national anthems, and proper illumination if displayed at night. Many countries have flag laws protecting against desecration, unauthorized commercial use, or improper display. The flag code specifies how flags should be folded, stored and disposed of respectfully when worn out. During international events, flags are displayed in alphabetical order by country name in the host nation's language. Always respect local customs and laws regarding national flag usage worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
💡 What is the oldest national flag still in use?
Denmark's Dannebrog (red with white cross) has been in continuous use since 1370, making it over 650 years old. According to legend, it fell from heaven during a 1219 battle in Estonia.
🌍 Which country has a non-rectangular flag?
Nepal is the only country with a non-rectangular flag. It consists of two stacked triangular pennants. The exact geometric construction is mathematically defined in Nepal's constitution!
🎨 What do flag colors symbolize?
Flag colors have universal meanings: Red = bravery, bloodshed, revolution; Blue = freedom, water, sky; Green = land, Islam, hope, agriculture; Yellow/Gold = wealth, sun, resources; White = peace, purity, snow; Black = determination, ethnicity, defeat of enemies.
🔒 Can I use a national flag for commercial purposes?
Most countries have flag laws and flag codes that regulate commercial use. While many nations allow respectful use in advertising, merchandise or decoration, some countries prohibit commercial exploitation of their national symbols. Always check local regulations before commercial flag usage.
📜 Why do some flags look similar to each other?
Flags often share designs due to historical connections, political movements, or regional unity. Examples: Nordic countries share the cross design; Pan-Slavic nations use red, blue and white from Russia's flag; Pan-Arab colors represent Arab independence movements; former British colonies often feature the Union Jack.
🏳️ National Flags Collection
Flags & Vexillology Resources
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Flag Puzzle Set
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Flag Identification
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Complete Flags Book
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Flags Map Poster
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Flags Flashcards
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World Flags Set
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Flag Encyclopedia
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Flag Posters Large
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Flags History Book
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Flag Lapel Pins
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