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 3 of 10Showing 51 - 75 of 245 flags
π¨ Flag Description
Five horizontal blue and white stripes with a red equilateral triangle on the hoist containing a white star
π Colors & Meanings
BlueWhiteRed
Blue stripes represent the three military departments of Cuba; White represents purity of ideals; Red triangle represents blood and strength
β Symbols & Design Elements
White five-pointed star in red triangle
The star (La Estrella Solitaria) represents independence and freedom; triangle represents liberty, equality, fraternity
π‘ Interesting Fact
The flag was designed in 1849 but not officially adopted until independence in 1902
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Spanish colonial flag used until 1898; US occupation flag 1898-1902
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
The star must point upward
π¨ Flag Description
Blue field with yellow horizontal stripe and two white stars in canton
π Colors & Meanings
BlueYellowWhite
Blue represents sea and sky; Yellow represents bright sun; White represents peace
β Symbols & Design Elements
Two white five-pointed stars
Stars represent Curaçao and Klein Curaçao islands; five points represent continents from which people came
π‘ Interesting Fact
The specific shade of blue is called "Curaçao blue" matching the famous Curaçao liqueur color
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Was part of Netherlands Antilles before 1984
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Constituent country of Kingdom of Netherlands
π¨ Flag Description
White field with a copper-orange silhouette of the island above two olive branches
π Colors & Meanings
WhiteCopper-orangeGreen
White represents peace between Greek and Turkish Cypriots; Copper-orange represents copper deposits; Green olive branches represent peace
β Symbols & Design Elements
Map of Cyprus island, two olive branches
The map represents the island; olive branches represent peace between communities
π‘ Interesting Fact
Cyprus is one of only two countries to display their map on the flag (along with Kosovo)
π°οΈ Historical Versions
British colonial flag used until independence in 1960
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
The flag was designed to be neutral and not favor Greek or Turkish communities
π¨ Flag Description
Two horizontal bands of white and red with a blue triangle extending from the hoist
π Colors & Meanings
WhiteRedBlue
White represents Bohemian heritage; Red represents Bohemian tradition and blood of patriots; Blue was added to represent Moravia and Slovakia
β Symbols & Design Elements
Blue triangle extending from hoist
The blue triangle was added to the Czech white-red bicolor to represent all of Czechoslovakia
π‘ Interesting Fact
Czech Republic continued using the Czechoslovak flag after the split, despite agreement not to do so
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Same design used for Czechoslovakia (1920-1992)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
The blue triangle must extend to the center of the flag
π¨ Flag Description
Sky blue field with a red diagonal stripe bordered by yellow from lower hoist to upper fly, and a yellow star in the upper left
π Colors & Meanings
Sky BlueYellowRed
Sky blue represents peace; Red represents the blood of martyrs; Yellow represents the country wealth
β Symbols & Design Elements
Yellow five-pointed star in upper left, diagonal red stripe bordered by yellow
The star represents the country future and hope; diagonal stripe represents blood of martyrs
π‘ Interesting Fact
The current flag is a return to the 1963 design, symbolizing a new beginning after decades of dictatorship
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Zaire flag (1971-1997) had different design; new flag readopted elements from first independence flag
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
The star must be in the upper left (hoist) corner
π¨ Flag Description
Red field with a white Nordic cross that extends to the edges
π Colors & Meanings
RedWhite
Red represents courage and bravery; White cross represents Christianity
β Symbols & Design Elements
White Nordic cross
The cross represents Christianity and Scandinavian heritage
π‘ Interesting Fact
The Dannebrog is the oldest continuously used national flag in the world
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Legend says it fell from heaven during the Battle of Lyndanisse in 1219
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Should be raised at 8:00 AM and lowered at sunset; never flown at night unless illuminated
π¨ Flag Description
Horizontal blue and green bands with a white triangle on the hoist containing a red five-pointed star
π Colors & Meanings
Light BlueGreenWhiteRed
Light blue represents the Issa Somali people and the sky; Green represents the Afar people and the earth; White represents peace; Red star represents unity
β Symbols & Design Elements
White triangle with red five-pointed star
The white triangle represents peace; red star represents the unity of the diverse ethnic groups
π‘ Interesting Fact
The flag design represents the two main ethnic groups living in harmony
π°οΈ Historical Versions
French Territory of the Afars and Issas flag used until independence
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
The star must be centered in the white triangle
π¨ Flag Description
Green field with cross of three bands (yellow, black, white) and a red disc centered with a sisserou parrot surrounded by 10 green stars
π Colors & Meanings
GreenYellowBlackWhiteRedPurple
Green represents vegetation; Cross stripes represent Trinity and Christianity; Red circle represents socialism; Purple sisserou parrot is the national bird
β Symbols & Design Elements
Cross of yellow, black, white stripes; red disc with sisserou parrot and 10 green stars
The parrot represents the country; 10 stars represent the 10 parishes; cross represents Christianity
π‘ Interesting Fact
Dominica is the only national flag to feature the color purple (on the sisserou parrot)
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Original design had different parrot positioning; modified in 1981 and 1988
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
The parrot must face toward the hoist side
π¨ Flag Description
Quartered by a white cross into blue and red rectangles alternating, with coat of arms in the center
π Colors & Meanings
BlueRedWhite
Blue represents liberty; Red represents the blood of heroes; White cross represents salvation and the Christian faith
β Symbols & Design Elements
White cross, coat of arms in center
Cross represents Christianity; coat of arms shows Bible, cross, flags, and motto "Dios, Patria, Libertad"
π‘ Interesting Fact
One of only two national flags (with Paraguay) to display different emblems on each side
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Haitian flag briefly used during occupation (1822-1844)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
The coat of arms must be displayed on state flags; civil flag omits it
π¨ Flag Description
Three horizontal bands with yellow (top half), blue and red (quarters) bearing the coat of arms in the center
π Colors & Meanings
YellowBlueRed
Yellow represents abundance, agriculture and mineral wealth; Blue represents the ocean and sky; Red represents the blood of heroes who died for freedom
β Symbols & Design Elements
National coat of arms in center
Coat of arms features Andean condor, Mount Chimborazo, river, steamship, and sun representing March Revolution
π‘ Interesting Fact
Shares same color pattern with Colombia and Venezuela as former Gran Colombia members
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Gran Colombia flag (1822-1830); various modifications until current design
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Civil flag is plain stripes; state and military flags include coat of arms
π¨ Flag Description
Three equal horizontal bands of red, white and black with golden Eagle of Saladin centered in the white band
π Colors & Meanings
RedWhiteBlackGold
Red represents the struggle against British occupation; White represents the bloodless 1952 Revolution; Black represents the end of oppression; Gold eagle represents strength
β Symbols & Design Elements
Golden Eagle of Saladin
The eagle represents power, strength and has been an Egyptian symbol since Saladin era
π‘ Interesting Fact
Egypt has changed its flag design seven times since independence, reflecting political changes
π°οΈ Historical Versions
United Arab Republic flag (1958-1972) had two green stars; current eagle adopted 1984
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
The eagle must face toward the hoist side
π¨ Flag Description
Three equal horizontal bands: blue, white, blue with the national coat of arms in the center
π Colors & Meanings
BlueWhite
Blue represents the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea; White represents peace and solidarity
β Symbols & Design Elements
National coat of arms in center
Coat of arms features triangle, five volcanoes, rainbow, Phrygian cap, and motto "Dios, Union, Libertad"
π‘ Interesting Fact
El Salvador shares same blue-white-blue pattern with Honduras and Nicaragua as former Central American federation members
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Based on United Provinces of Central America flag (1823-1865)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
The coat of arms appears only on the state flag; civil flag is plain stripes
π¨ Flag Description
White field with centered red cross (Cross of Saint George)
π Colors & Meanings
WhiteRed
White represents peace and honesty; Red cross represents Saint George, patron saint of England
β Symbols & Design Elements
Cross of Saint George
Represents Saint George, patron saint of England who slayed the dragon
π‘ Interesting Fact
One of the oldest national flags still in use; forms part of the Union Jack
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Used since Middle Ages, formalized over time
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Flown during sporting events and Saint George's Day (April 23); Union Jack takes precedence officially
π¨ Flag Description
Three equal horizontal bands of green, white, red with a blue triangle at the hoist and coat of arms in the center
π Colors & Meanings
GreenWhiteRedBlue
Green represents natural resources and jungles; White represents peace; Red represents blood of independence fighters; Blue represents the sea connecting mainland with islands
β Symbols & Design Elements
Blue triangle on hoist, coat of arms in center
The blue triangle represents the sea; coat of arms features silk cotton tree (ceiba) under which independence treaty was signed
π‘ Interesting Fact
The silk cotton tree on the coat of arms is where the first treaty with Spain was signed
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Original independence flag (1968-1979) did not have coat of arms
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
The coat of arms includes the national motto "Unidad, Paz, Justicia" (Unity, Peace, Justice)
π¨ Flag Description
Divided into green and blue triangles with a red isosceles triangle on the hoist containing a golden olive wreath
π Colors & Meanings
GreenBlueRedYellow
Green represents agriculture and livestock; Blue represents the sea; Red represents blood shed for freedom; Yellow olive wreath represents peace
β Symbols & Design Elements
Red isosceles triangle with yellow olive wreath
The red triangle represents the blood of martyrs; olive wreath with upright branch represents peace
π‘ Interesting Fact
The flag was adopted after a 30-year independence struggle against Ethiopia
π°οΈ Historical Versions
EPLF flag (1977-1995) was similar but had a yellow star instead of olive wreath
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
The olive branch must point upward
π¨ Flag Description
Three equal horizontal bands of blue, black and white
π Colors & Meanings
BlueBlackWhite
Blue represents the sky, lakes and sea, as well as loyalty, devotion and truth; Black represents dark past of suffering and the traditional black jacket; White represents snow, birch bark, purity, hard work and light
β Symbols & Design Elements
None (plain tricolor)
π‘ Interesting Fact
The color combination comes from the traditional Estonian costume and landscape
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Used 1918-1940, banned during Soviet occupation, readopted 1990
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
The flag must be displayed with blue on top
π¨ Flag Description
Three equal horizontal bands of green, yellow and red with a blue disc in the center containing a yellow pentagram
π Colors & Meanings
GreenYellowRedBlue
Green represents fertility, labor and development; Yellow represents hope, justice and equality; Red represents sacrifice and heroism; Blue disc represents peace and diversity
β Symbols & Design Elements
Blue disc with yellow outlined star and rays
The star represents unity of Ethiopian nations, nationalities and peoples; rays represent bright future
π‘ Interesting Fact
Ethiopian colors are the source of pan-African colors used by many African nations
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Plain tricolor used 1897-1996; blue disc and star added after 1995 constitution
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
The star must have five equal points with rays between them
π¨ Flag Description
Blue ensign with Union Jack in canton and Falkland Islands coat of arms
π Colors & Meanings
BlueWhiteRed
Blue represents the South Atlantic Ocean
β Symbols & Design Elements
Ram (sheep), ship Desire
Ram represents sheep farming industry; Desire was ship that discovered islands in 1592
π‘ Interesting Fact
The motto "Desire the Right" is a play on the ship's name "Desire" that discovered the islands
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Badge design modified in 1948, 1999
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
British overseas territory protocol applies
π¨ Flag Description
White field with red-bordered blue Nordic cross
π Colors & Meanings
WhiteBlueRed
Colors derive from Norwegian and Icelandic flags representing Nordic heritage
β Symbols & Design Elements
Nordic cross with blue and red
Nordic cross represents Christianity and Scandinavian heritage
π‘ Interesting Fact
During WWII, Britain allowed the Faroese to use their flag on ships to distinguish them from occupied Denmark
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Designed 1919, used unofficially until 1940
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Autonomous territory of Denmark; used equally with Danish flag
π¨ Flag Description
Light blue field with Union Jack in upper left and shield from coat of arms on the fly side
π Colors & Meanings
Light BlueRedWhite
Light blue represents the Pacific Ocean; Union Jack represents links to United Kingdom; Shield shows agricultural products and British lion
β Symbols & Design Elements
Union Jack in canton, shield of Fiji coat of arms
Shield features St. George Cross, sugar cane, coconut palm, bananas, dove of peace and British lion
π‘ Interesting Fact
Fiji considered changing the flag in 2013 but decided to keep the current design
π°οΈ Historical Versions
British colonial flag used until independence in 1970
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
The shield should be centered on the fly half of the flag
π¨ Flag Description
White field with a blue Nordic cross extending to the edges
π Colors & Meanings
BlueWhite
Blue represents the numerous lakes of Finland and the sky; White represents the snow that covers Finland in winter
β Symbols & Design Elements
Blue Nordic cross on white field
The Nordic cross represents Christianity and Nordic heritage shared with other Scandinavian countries
π‘ Interesting Fact
The blue and white colors are inspired by Finnish nature - lakes and snow
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Russian Grand Duchy flag used until independence in 1917
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
The cross arms must have specific width proportions (3:2:4 horizontally, 3:2 vertically)
π¨ Flag Description
Three equal vertical bands of blue, white and red
π Colors & Meanings
BlueWhiteRed
Blue represents liberty; White represents equality; Red represents fraternity; Colors also represent Paris (blue and red) and the king (white)
β Symbols & Design Elements
None (plain tricolor)
π‘ Interesting Fact
The French tricolor is one of the most influential flag designs, inspiring many other nations
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Royal white flag with fleur-de-lis used before French Revolution
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Blue should be on the hoist (left) side; shades have been standardized multiple times
π¨ Flag Description
Overseas department of France; uses French tricolor flag officially
π Colors & Meanings
BlueWhiteRed (French tricolor)
Uses French national colors
β Symbols & Design Elements
No official regional symbols; French flag used officially
N/A - uses French flag
π‘ Interesting Fact
Although many unofficial regional flags exist, French Guiana officially uses only the French national flag
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Various unofficial regional flags proposed
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
French overseas department; French flag protocol applies
π¨ Flag Description
White field with red horizontal stripes and emblem featuring pirogue
π Colors & Meanings
RedWhite
Red represents courage; White represents purity
β Symbols & Design Elements
Pirogue (outrigger canoe), sun rays
Pirogue represents seafaring heritage; sun represents life; five figures represent five archipelagos
π‘ Interesting Fact
The emblem shows a pirogue with five stylized human figures representing the five archipelagos
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Modified in 1984 from earlier designs
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Overseas collectivity of France; used alongside French flag
π¨ Flag Description
Three equal horizontal bands of green, yellow and blue
π Colors & Meanings
GreenYellowBlue
Green represents the forests covering 85% of Gabon; Yellow represents the equator crossing the country and the sun; Blue represents the Atlantic Ocean
β Symbols & Design Elements
None (plain tricolor)
π‘ Interesting Fact
Gabon flag is one of the few national flags to directly represent its geography
π°οΈ Historical Versions
French colonial flag used until independence
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Green must be on top representing the forests
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.