National Flags
π³οΈ 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.
π Page 10 of 10Showing 226 - 245 of 245 flags
π¨ Flag Description
Blue ensign with Union Jack in canton and shield showing local symbols
π Colors & Meanings
BlueWhiteRedYellowGreen
Blue represents the ocean
β Symbols & Design Elements
Conch shell, lobster, Turk's head cactus
Represents important aspects of islands: fishing industry and endemic cactus
π‘ Interesting Fact
The 1968 badge mistakenly showed wrong igloo; corrected in 1999 to show local conch shell
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Badge modified in 1999 to correct errors in earlier design
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
British overseas territory protocol applies
π¨ Flag Description
Light blue field with Union Jack in upper hoist canton and nine yellow stars representing islands
π Colors & Meanings
Light BlueYellowWhite
Light blue represents the Pacific Ocean; Yellow represents the sun; White represents peace
β Symbols & Design Elements
Union Jack in canton; nine yellow stars on blue field
Nine stars represent the nine islands of Tuvalu; Union Jack represents Commonwealth ties
π‘ Interesting Fact
The flag was briefly changed in 1995-1997 to remove Union Jack, but was restored after public opposition; stars represent geographical position of islands
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Modified flag (1995-1997) without Union Jack; original restored after referendum
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Nine stars must be positioned according to geographical locations of islands
π¨ Flag Description
Six horizontal bands of black, yellow, and red (repeated twice) with white disc containing grey crowned crane in center
π Colors & Meanings
BlackYellowRedWhite
Black represents the people; Yellow represents sunshine; Red represents African brotherhood; White disc represents peace
β Symbols & Design Elements
Grey crowned crane on white disc in center
Grey crowned crane is national symbol representing the country's forward movement and gentle nature
π‘ Interesting Fact
The grey crowned crane was the military badge during British colonial rule and was retained as national symbol; Uganda's flag has the most horizontal stripes (6) of any African flag
π°οΈ Historical Versions
British colonial flag (until 1962)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Crane must face the hoist (left); represents Uganda's gentle nature
π¨ Flag Description
Two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and yellow
π Colors & Meanings
BlueYellow
Blue represents the sky and peace; Yellow represents wheat fields and prosperity
β Symbols & Design Elements
No specific symbols - bicolor pattern
Colors represent "golden fields under blue skies" of Ukrainian landscape
π‘ Interesting Fact
Historically yellow was on top (golden dome over blue sky), reversed to current form in 1918; colors date to medieval Kingdom of Galicia-Volhynia
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Ukrainian SSR flag with hammer, sickle (1919-1991); historical flags had yellow on top
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Blue on top since 1918; represents modern Ukrainian state
π¨ Flag Description
Three horizontal bands of green, white, and black with vertical red band on hoist
π Colors & Meanings
RedGreenWhiteBlack
Red represents courage and strength; Green represents hope and prosperity; White represents peace and purity; Black represents strength of mind
β Symbols & Design Elements
No specific symbols - pan-Arab colors
Pan-Arab colors represent unity with Arab nations
π‘ Interesting Fact
Designed by a 19-year-old in a national competition; chosen from over 1,000 submissions; uses all four pan-Arab colors
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Various emirate flags before union in 1971
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Represents union of seven emirates under one flag
π¨ Flag Description
Red Cross of St. George bordered in white on blue field, overlaid with white diagonal Cross of St. Andrew and red diagonal Cross of St. Patrick
π Colors & Meanings
RedWhiteBlue
Red represents England and Wales; White represents peace; Blue represents Scotland
β Symbols & Design Elements
Union of St. George's Cross (England), St. Andrew's Saltire (Scotland), and St. Patrick's Saltire (Ireland)
Combines patron saints' crosses representing political union of nations
π‘ Interesting Fact
Called "Union Jack" only when flown on ships, otherwise "Union Flag"; asymmetric design means there's a correct way up (wider white diagonal on top near hoist)
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Union of England and Scotland only (1606-1801) without St. Patrick's cross
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Must be flown right-way-up (thicker white diagonal on top at pole side); represents political union
π¨ Flag Description
13 alternating red and white horizontal stripes with blue canton containing 50 white stars
π Colors & Meanings
RedWhiteBlue
Red represents valor and hardiness; White represents purity and innocence; Blue represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice
β Symbols & Design Elements
50 white stars on blue canton, 13 alternating red and white stripes
50 stars represent 50 states; 13 stripes represent original 13 colonies
π‘ Interesting Fact
Designed by 17-year-old Robert G. Heft as school project in 1958 (got B-); Congress adopted it when Hawaii joined
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Changed 26 times; previous was 49-star version (1959-1960) when Alaska joined
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Extensive Flag Code (Title 4, USC); never touch ground; illuminate at night; fold in specific triangle; half-staff for mourning
π¨ Flag Description
Nine horizontal stripes (5 white, 4 blue) with white canton containing golden Sun of May
π Colors & Meanings
BlueWhiteYellow
Blue and white stripes represent original nine departments; Sun represents independence and freedom
β Symbols & Design Elements
Sun of May with 16 rays (alternating straight and wavy) in white canton
Sun of May represents May Revolution of 1810 against Spain; 16 rays represent the provinces
π‘ Interesting Fact
Similar to Argentina's flag (both feature Sun of May); originally had 19 stripes for 19 departments, reduced to 9 for aesthetic reasons
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Original had 19 stripes; reduced to 9 in 1830
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Sun of May must have 16 rays alternating between straight and wavy
π¨ Flag Description
White field with modified US Great Seal showing eagle, shield, and V-I letters
π Colors & Meanings
WhiteBlueYellowGreenRed
White represents purity; Blue represents ocean
β Symbols & Design Elements
Eagle holding arrows and olive branch, shield with US flag colors, letters V and I
Eagle represents USA; V and I represent Virgin Islands; three arrows represent three main islands
π‘ Interesting Fact
The eagle holds three arrows representing St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Modified slightly over time since 1921 adoption
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
US territory; flown alongside US flag
π¨ Flag Description
Three horizontal bands of blue, white (with red borders), and green; white crescent and 12 stars in upper hoist
π Colors & Meanings
BlueWhiteRedGreen
Blue represents sky and water; White represents peace and purity; Red represents life force; Green represents nature and fertility
β Symbols & Design Elements
White crescent and 12 white stars in upper hoist on blue band
Crescent represents rebirth; 12 stars represent 12 months, zodiac signs, and historical calendar; also represents 12 provinces
π‘ Interesting Fact
The 12 stars are arranged in three rows: 3-4-5 pattern, representing growth and prosperity; crescent faces right unlike most Islamic countries
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Uzbek SSR flag with hammer and sickle (1952-1991)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Crescent faces right (east); 12 stars arranged in 3-4-5 pattern
π¨ Flag Description
Horizontal red and green bands separated by yellow-bordered black Y-shape from hoist; boar's tusk and fern in black triangle
π Colors & Meanings
RedGreenBlackYellow
Red represents blood of wild boars and unity; Green represents the islands and land; Black represents the ni-Vanuatu people; Yellow represents peace and Christianity
β Symbols & Design Elements
Yellow Y-shape; boar's tusk with namele fern fronds in black triangle
Y-shape represents island chain geography; boar's tusk represents prosperity; namele fern represents peace; 39 fronds represent 39 members of parliament
π‘ Interesting Fact
The boar's tusk is a traditional symbol of wealth in Vanuatu; the Y-shape represents the archipelago's layout; one of few flags with a tusk
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Anglo-French Condominium flags (until 1980)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Tusk must have 39 namele fern fronds; Y-shape represents island geography
π¨ Flag Description
Two vertical bands of gold (hoist) and white with papal tiara and crossed keys on white band
π Colors & Meanings
GoldWhite (Silver)
Gold and white are traditional colors of the Holy See representing spiritual and temporal power
β Symbols & Design Elements
Papal tiara and crossed keys of St. Peter on white band
Tiara represents Pope's authority; gold and silver keys represent keys to heaven given to St. Peter; red cord represents blood of martyrs
π‘ Interesting Fact
One of only two square national flags (Switzerland is the other); officially represents the Holy See, the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Pope
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Papal States flags (until 1870); readopted 1929
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Must be square; represents spiritual authority of the Pope
π¨ Flag Description
Three horizontal bands of yellow, blue, and red with coat of arms in upper hoist and eight stars in arc on blue band
π Colors & Meanings
YellowBlueRed
Yellow represents wealth and the sun; Blue represents the sea separating Venezuela from Spain; Red represents blood shed for independence
β Symbols & Design Elements
Coat of arms on upper hoist; eight white stars in arc on blue band (seven until 2006)
Eight stars represent eight provinces that fought for independence (eighth star added 2006 for Guayana Province)
π‘ Interesting Fact
Eighth star added in 2006 by presidential decree of Hugo ChΓ‘vez to represent Guayana Province; design inspired by Francisco de Miranda's revolutionary flag
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Seven-star version (1930-2006); eighth star added by Hugo ChΓ‘vez
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
State flag includes coat of arms; civil flag omits it; eight stars since 2006
π¨ Flag Description
Red field with large yellow five-pointed star in the center
π Colors & Meanings
RedYellow
Red represents bloodshed and revolution; Yellow represents Vietnamese people and nation
β Symbols & Design Elements
Large yellow five-pointed star in center
Star represents unity of workers, peasants, soldiers, intellectuals, and merchants (five classes); also five main ethnic groups
π‘ Interesting Fact
Originally designed for North Vietnam in 1940, became national flag after reunification in 1976; similar to China's flag but with one large centered star
π°οΈ Historical Versions
North Vietnam flag (1945-1976); South Vietnam had different flag (yellow with three red stripes)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Star represents five revolutionary classes and unity
π¨ Flag Description
White over green horizontal bicolor with red dragon passant
π Colors & Meanings
WhiteGreenRed
White and green represent Tudor dynasty; Red dragon is ancient symbol of Wales
β Symbols & Design Elements
Red dragon (Y Ddraig Goch)
Red dragon is ancient symbol of Wales, possibly dating to Roman times
π‘ Interesting Fact
Not represented on Union Jack; dragon legend predates written history; may represent victory of Britons
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Dragon symbol ancient; current flag design formalized 1959
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Official flag of Wales within UK; not part of Union Jack
π¨ Flag Description
French overseas collectivity; uses French tricolor flag officially
π Colors & Meanings
BlueWhiteRed (French tricolor)
Uses French national colors
β Symbols & Design Elements
Unofficial flag has red saltire and local symbols
N/A officially - uses French flag
π‘ Interesting Fact
Unofficial flag shows French tricolor in canton with red cross representing Catholic heritage
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Unofficial flag used locally but not recognized by France
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
French overseas collectivity; French flag protocol applies
π¨ Flag Description
Horizontal tricolor of black, white, green with red triangle at hoist and red crescent-star
π Colors & Meanings
BlackWhiteGreenRed
Pan-Arab colors; Black represents determination; White represents peace; Green represents Islam; Red represents blood of martyrs
β Symbols & Design Elements
Red crescent and star on central stripe
Crescent and star represent Islam; red triangle represents unity
π‘ Interesting Fact
Used by Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic; territory disputed between Morocco and Polisario Front
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Adopted by Polisario Front at declaration of independence
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Used by SADR government-in-exile; not universally recognized
π¨ Flag Description
Three equal horizontal bands of red, white, and black
π Colors & Meanings
RedWhiteBlack
Red represents blood of martyrs; White represents purity and hope for bright future; Black represents the dark past
β Symbols & Design Elements
No symbols - plain tricolor
Pan-Arab colors represent unity with Arab world
π‘ Interesting Fact
Created when North and South Yemen unified in 1990; combines elements of both predecessor states' flags but without any symbols
π°οΈ Historical Versions
North Yemen (red-white-black with green star); South Yemen (red-white-black with blue triangle and star)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Plain tricolor adopted to avoid favoring either predecessor state
π¨ Flag Description
Green field with three vertical stripes (red, black, orange) in lower fly and orange African fish eagle in upper fly
π Colors & Meanings
GreenRedBlackOrange
Green represents natural resources and vegetation; Red represents struggle for freedom; Black represents the people; Orange represents copper, the country's wealth
β Symbols & Design Elements
African fish eagle in upper fly; three vertical stripes of red, black, and orange in lower fly
Eagle represents freedom and ability to rise above problems; three stripes represent ongoing struggle, people, and mineral wealth
π‘ Interesting Fact
One of few flags with the emblem (eagle) in the fly (right side) rather than hoist; the African fish eagle is common over Victoria Falls
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Similar design since 1964; shades modified in 1996
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Eagle positioned in fly corner; represents freedom and aspiration
π¨ Flag Description
Seven horizontal stripes with white-bordered black chevron from hoist; white triangle with red star containing yellow Zimbabwe bird
π Colors & Meanings
GreenYellowRedBlackWhite
Green represents agriculture; Yellow represents mineral wealth; Red represents blood shed for independence; Black represents native people; White represents peace
β Symbols & Design Elements
White triangle with red star containing Zimbabwe bird; black-bordered white chevron
Zimbabwe bird is ancient soapstone bird from Great Zimbabwe ruins representing national heritage; red star represents socialism and internationalism
π‘ Interesting Fact
The Zimbabwe bird is from the ancient ruins of Great Zimbabwe (11th-15th centuries); appears on the flag, coat of arms, and national emblem
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Rhodesian flags (until 1980)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Zimbabwe bird must be depicted in gold/yellow; represents ancient heritage
π³οΈ Understanding National Flags: A Complete Guide
π 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).
π¨ 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
πΌ 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
π 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
βοΈ 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 β
π‘ 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.
π 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!
π¨ 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.
π 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.
π 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.