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 2 of 10Showing 26 - 50 of 245 flags
π¨ Flag Description
Diagonal yellow stripe from lower hoist to upper fly with blue triangles and symbols
π Colors & Meanings
BlueYellowWhiteBlackRed
Blue represents sea; Yellow represents sun; White represents peace; Black represents indigenous people; Red represents passion
β Symbols & Design Elements
Six-pointed star, compass rose
Star represents six neighborhoods; compass represents navigation
π‘ Interesting Fact
The six-pointed star represents the six original villages of Bonaire
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Was part of Netherlands Antilles before 1984
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Special municipality of Netherlands; flown alongside Dutch flag
π¨ Flag Description
Blue field with a yellow triangle along the hoist side and a diagonal row of white stars
π Colors & Meanings
BlueYellowWhite
Blue represents the European Union; Yellow triangle represents the three main ethnic groups; White stars represent Europe
β Symbols & Design Elements
Yellow triangle, white stars along hypotenuse
Triangle represents equality of three groups (Bosniaks, Serbs, Croats); stars represent Europe and are infinite in number
π‘ Interesting Fact
The flag was imposed by the international community to avoid ethnic symbols and promote unity
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Complex flag with fleur-de-lis (1992-1998) was controversial
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
The stars continue infinitely (symbolically) beyond the flag edges
π¨ Flag Description
Light blue field with a thick black horizontal band bordered by thin white stripes in the center
π Colors & Meanings
Light BlueWhiteBlack
Light blue represents water (rain); Black and white stripes represent racial harmony and diversity
β Symbols & Design Elements
Black horizontal stripe with thin white borders
The zebra-like stripes represent racial harmony and the zebra, Botswana national animal
π‘ Interesting Fact
The blue represents the precious resource of water in this semi-arid nation
π°οΈ Historical Versions
British Bechuanaland Protectorate flag used until independence
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
The black stripe should be exactly 1/3 the height of the flag
π¨ Flag Description
Green field with a yellow diamond containing a blue celestial globe with white stars and a white banner
π Colors & Meanings
GreenYellowBlueWhite
Green represents the House of Braganza (Pedro I); Yellow represents the House of Habsburg (Leopoldina); Blue represents the sky over Rio; White represents peace
β Symbols & Design Elements
Blue disc with 27 white stars and banner with motto "Ordem e Progresso"
Each star represents a Brazilian state; the constellation depicts the sky over Rio on November 15, 1889; motto means "Order and Progress"
π‘ Interesting Fact
The stars on the flag match the exact position of the sky over Rio de Janeiro on the morning of the proclamation of the Republic
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Imperial flag (1822-1889) featured the imperial coat of arms
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
New stars are added as new states are created; last addition was in 1992
π¨ Flag Description
Blue ensign with Union Jack in canton and coat of arms with Saint Ursula
π Colors & Meanings
BlueWhiteGreenGold
Blue represents the Caribbean Sea
β Symbols & Design Elements
Saint Ursula with 11 lamps
Saint Ursula and 11,000 virgins legend; 12 lamps represent the islands
π‘ Interesting Fact
The name "Virgin Islands" comes from Christopher Columbus naming them after Saint Ursula and her 11,000 virgins
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Modified from earlier colonial designs
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
British overseas territory protocol applies
π¨ Flag Description
Yellow field with white and black diagonal stripes from the upper hoist to lower fly, with the national emblem centered in red
π Colors & Meanings
YellowWhiteBlackRed
Yellow represents the Sultan; White and black represent chief ministers (Pengiran Bendahara and Pengiran Pemancha); Red represents the crest
β Symbols & Design Elements
National crest, diagonal white and black stripes
The crest features royal parasol, wings, hands, crescent, and motto "Always in service with God guidance"
π‘ Interesting Fact
The flag is one of the few national flags to include a detailed crest in the center
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Plain yellow flag used until 1906; stripes added 1906; crest added 1959
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
The crest must be depicted in exact detail with all Arabic script legible
π¨ Flag Description
Three equal horizontal bands of white, green and red
π Colors & Meanings
WhiteGreenRed
White represents peace, love, and freedom; Green represents agriculture and nature; Red represents the courage and blood of Bulgarian warriors
β Symbols & Design Elements
None on civil flag; coat of arms on state flag
The coat of arms features a crowned golden lion (state flag only)
π‘ Interesting Fact
The colors were adopted during the Russian-Turkish War (1877-1878) inspired by the Russian flag
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Communist flag (1948-1990) included national emblem; current design readopted after 1991
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
White must be on top; civil ensign does not include coat of arms
π¨ Flag Description
Two equal horizontal bands of red and green with a yellow five-pointed star in the center
π Colors & Meanings
RedGreenYellow
Red represents the revolution; Green represents the abundance of natural riches; Yellow star represents the guiding light of the revolution
β Symbols & Design Elements
Yellow five-pointed star
The star represents the revolutionary guide leading the nation
π‘ Interesting Fact
Burkina Faso means "Land of Upright People" and the flag was adopted after the name change
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Flag of Upper Volta (1959-1984) had three horizontal bands
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
The star must point upward
π¨ Flag Description
Divided by a white saltire into red and green triangular areas with three six-pointed stars in the center
π Colors & Meanings
RedWhiteGreen
Red represents the struggle for independence; White represents peace; Green represents hope for the future
β Symbols & Design Elements
White saltire (diagonal cross) with three red stars edged in green
The three stars represent the three main ethnic groups (Hutu, Tutsi, Twa) and the national motto "Unity, Work, Progress"
π‘ Interesting Fact
The stars were originally bordered in red but changed to green in 1982
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Kingdom of Burundi had different flag with drum symbol (1962-1966)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
The stars must be arranged in a triangular pattern
π¨ Flag Description
Three horizontal bands with blue on top and bottom (twice the height of red), red in the middle, featuring white Angkor Wat in the center
π Colors & Meanings
BlueRedWhite
Blue represents royalty; Red represents the nation; White represents Buddhism
β Symbols & Design Elements
White depiction of Angkor Wat temple
Angkor Wat represents Khmer civilization, religion, and the royal power; it is a UNESCO World Heritage site
π‘ Interesting Fact
Cambodia is the only national flag in the world to feature a building (Angkor Wat)
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Khmer Rouge flag (1975-1979) and People Republic flag (1979-1993) had different designs
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Angkor Wat must have three towers visible
π¨ Flag Description
Three equal vertical bands of green, red and yellow with a yellow five-pointed star in the center of the red band
π Colors & Meanings
GreenRedYellow
Green represents the forests in the south; Red represents unity; Yellow represents the sun and savannas in the north; together they are pan-African colors
β Symbols & Design Elements
Yellow five-pointed star
The star represents unity and the guiding light for the nation
π‘ Interesting Fact
The star was changed from two stars to one when the federation ended in 1975
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Original flag (1961-1975) had two stars representing federation with former British Southern Cameroons
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
The star must be centered in the red band
π¨ Flag Description
Vertical triband of red, white (double width), and red with a red maple leaf in the center of the white band
π Colors & Meanings
RedWhite
Red represents British heritage and sacrifice; White represents peace and tranquility; Maple leaf represents nature and environment
β Symbols & Design Elements
11-pointed stylized red maple leaf
The maple leaf has been a Canadian emblem since the 18th century, representing nature, pride, and unity
π‘ Interesting Fact
The maple leaf design was chosen from thousands of submissions in a national competition
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Canadian Red Ensign with Union Jack used 1868-1965
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
The maple leaf has exactly 11 points; flag must never touch the ground
π¨ Flag Description
Blue field with three horizontal stripes (white-red-white) in the lower half and a circle of 10 yellow stars
π Colors & Meanings
BlueWhiteRedYellow
Blue represents the ocean and sky; White represents peace; Red represents national effort; Yellow represents the sun
β Symbols & Design Elements
Circle of 10 yellow stars, three horizontal stripes
The 10 stars represent the 10 main islands of Cape Verde arranged in a circle showing unity
π‘ Interesting Fact
The flag was changed in 1992 to distinguish it from Guinea-Bissau and represent maritime heritage
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Original flag (1975-1992) was similar to Guinea-Bissau flag with pan-African colors
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Stars must form a perfect circle
π¨ Flag Description
Blue ensign with Union Jack in canton and Cayman Islands coat of arms
π Colors & Meanings
BlueWhiteRedGreenGold
Blue represents the Caribbean Sea
β Symbols & Design Elements
Three green stars, turtle, pineapple, ship
Three stars represent three islands; turtle represents sea turtles; pineapple represents connection with Jamaica
π‘ Interesting Fact
The motto "He hath founded it upon the seas" references the island's marine heritage and biblical passage
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Badge modified in 1958, flag officially adopted 1999
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
British overseas territory protocol applies
π¨ Flag Description
Four equal horizontal bands of blue, white, green, yellow with a vertical red stripe through the center and a yellow star in the upper left
π Colors & Meanings
BlueWhiteGreenYellowRed
Blue represents freedom; White represents peace; Green represents forests and vegetation; Yellow represents tolerance; Red represents blood shed for independence
β Symbols & Design Elements
Yellow five-pointed star in upper left
The star represents independence and a bright future; the vertical red stripe unites all groups
π‘ Interesting Fact
The flag uniquely combines French colors (blue-white-red) with pan-African colors (red-yellow-green)
π°οΈ Historical Versions
French colonial flag used until 1958
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
The red stripe must extend from top to bottom through all horizontal bands
π¨ Flag Description
Three equal vertical bands of blue, yellow and red
π Colors & Meanings
BlueYellowRed
Blue represents the sky, hope, and water in the south; Yellow represents the sun and desert in the north; Red represents sacrifice and unity
β Symbols & Design Elements
None (plain tricolor)
π‘ Interesting Fact
Chad flag is nearly identical to Romania flag, causing occasional confusion
π°οΈ Historical Versions
French colonial flag used until independence
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Blue must be on the hoist (left) side
π¨ Flag Description
Horizontal white and red bands with a blue square canton containing a white five-pointed star
π Colors & Meanings
BlueWhiteRed
Blue represents the sky and the Pacific Ocean; White represents the snow-covered Andes Mountains; Red represents the blood spilled for independence
β Symbols & Design Elements
White five-pointed star (La Estrella Solitaria)
The lone star represents the powers of the state and progress; guides the path to honor and glory
π‘ Interesting Fact
Often confused with Texas flag; Chile flag predates it by 22 years
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Transition flag (1812-1817) had different design
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
The star must be centered in the blue canton
π¨ Flag Description
Red field with five yellow five-pointed stars in the upper left canton, one large and four smaller in a semicircle
π Colors & Meanings
RedYellow
Red represents the communist revolution; Yellow represents the people of China (yellow race)
β Symbols & Design Elements
One large star and four smaller stars
Large star represents the Communist Party; four small stars represent the four social classes (workers, peasants, petty bourgeoisie, patriotic capitalists)
π‘ Interesting Fact
The designer Zeng Liansong was an ordinary citizen whose design was selected from 3,000+ submissions
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Republic of China flag (1912-1949) now used in Taiwan
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
The four small stars must each point one ray toward the center of the large star
π¨ Flag Description
Green and blue triangles with golden bosun bird, Southern Cross, and island map
π Colors & Meanings
BlueGreenGoldWhite
Blue represents ocean; Green represents tropical rainforest; Gold represents history of phosphate mining
β Symbols & Design Elements
Southern Cross, golden bosun bird, map of island
Southern Cross represents location; bird is endemic species; map shows the island
π‘ Interesting Fact
The golden bosun (tropicbird) is unique to Christmas Island and featured prominently on the flag
π°οΈ Historical Versions
No official flag before 1986
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Australian territory; flown alongside Australian flag
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π¨ Flag Description
Green and blue field with gold crescent, stars, and symbols representing island life
π Colors & Meanings
GreenGoldBlueWhite
Green represents palm trees; Gold represents beaches; Blue represents ocean
β Symbols & Design Elements
Crescent moon, Southern Cross, palm tree, tropic bird
Crescent represents Islamic heritage; Southern Cross shows location; palm and bird represent nature
π‘ Interesting Fact
The flag reflects the predominantly Malay-Muslim population through the crescent symbol
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Unofficial flags used before 2004
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Australian territory; flown alongside Australian flag
π¨ Flag Description
Three horizontal bands: yellow (top half), blue (quarter), and red (quarter)
π Colors & Meanings
YellowBlueRed
Yellow represents gold, sovereignty and justice (double width); Blue represents the seas around Colombian coasts; Red represents the blood spilled for independence
β Symbols & Design Elements
None on civil flag; coat of arms on state flag
Coat of arms features Andean condor, ships, cornucopia, Phrygian cap (state flag only)
π‘ Interesting Fact
Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela share similar flags as they were once united as Gran Colombia
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Gran Colombia flag (1819-1830) was shared with Venezuela and Ecuador
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Yellow band must be twice the height of blue and red bands
π¨ Flag Description
Four horizontal stripes of yellow, white, red, blue with a green triangle on the hoist bearing a white crescent and four stars
π Colors & Meanings
YellowWhiteRedBlueGreen
Yellow represents MohΓ©li island; White represents Mayotte; Red represents Anjouan; Blue represents Mwali; Green triangle represents Islam
β Symbols & Design Elements
Green triangle, white crescent and four stars
Crescent and stars represent Islam; four stars represent the four islands of Comoros
π‘ Interesting Fact
Each of the four stripes represents one of the islands of the Comoros archipelago
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Multiple flag changes since independence (1975); current design adopted 2002
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
The crescent opens toward the fly side
π¨ Flag Description
Blue ensign with Union Jack and circle of 15 white stars
π Colors & Meanings
BlueWhiteRed
Blue represents the Pacific Ocean; White represents peace
β Symbols & Design Elements
15 white stars in circle, Union Jack
15 stars represent the 15 islands; Union Jack shows British heritage
π‘ Interesting Fact
The 15 stars are arranged in a circle representing unity and the islands spread across the Pacific
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Modified from earlier designs in 1973
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Self-governing in free association with New Zealand
π¨ Flag Description
Five horizontal bands: blue, white, red (double width), white, blue
π Colors & Meanings
BlueWhiteRed
Blue represents the sky, opportunities, idealism and perseverance; White represents peace, wisdom and happiness; Red represents blood shed for freedom, warmth and generosity
β Symbols & Design Elements
National coat of arms on state flag
Coat of arms features three volcanoes, two oceans, seven stars, and merchant ships
π‘ Interesting Fact
The flag design was inspired by the French Revolution and designed by the First Lady
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Based on 1848 design inspired by French tricolor
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Civil flag is plain stripes; state flag includes coat of arms on red band
π¨ Flag Description
Three equal horizontal bands of red, white and blue with the Croatian coat of arms in the center
π Colors & Meanings
RedWhiteBlue
The colors are traditional Pan-Slavic colors representing Slavic heritage and unity
β Symbols & Design Elements
Croatian checkerboard coat of arms with crown of five shields
The checkerboard (Ε‘ahovnica) is an ancient Croatian symbol; five crowning shields represent historical regions
π‘ Interesting Fact
The distinctive red-and-white checkerboard pattern dates back to medieval Croatia
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Socialist Republic flag (1947-1990) had red star instead of coat of arms
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Coat of arms must be centered on the white band
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.