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 6 of 10Showing 126 - 150 of 245 flags
π¨ Flag Description
White vertical band on hoist side, with horizontal red and green bands on fly side
π Colors & Meanings
RedWhiteGreen
Red and white represent Merina Kingdom heritage; Green represents coastal regions and Hova people; together they symbolize sovereignty and hope
β Symbols & Design Elements
No specific symbols - color pattern
Vertical white band represents purity and traditional kingdom; horizontal bands unite coastal and highland peoples
π‘ Interesting Fact
The red and white colors come from the Merina Kingdom flag that ruled Madagascar before French colonization
π°οΈ Historical Versions
French colonial flag (until 1958)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
National symbol represents unity of all Malagasy people
π¨ Flag Description
Three horizontal bands of black, red, and green with a red rising sun on the black band
π Colors & Meanings
BlackRedGreen
Black represents African people; Red represents blood of martyrs for freedom; Green represents nature and fertility
β Symbols & Design Elements
Red rising sun with 31 rays on black band
Rising sun represents dawn of freedom and hope; 31 rays originally represented Malawi being the 31st African nation to gain independence
π‘ Interesting Fact
In 2010, the sun was changed from rising to full and centered, but public opposition led to reverting to the original design in 2012
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Full sun version (2010-2012) - sun changed from rising to full, then reverted
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Rising sun must be depicted in red on the black stripe
π¨ Flag Description
14 alternating red and white horizontal stripes with a blue canton containing a yellow crescent and 14-point star
π Colors & Meanings
RedWhiteBlueGold (Yellow)
Red represents courage and bravery; White represents purity; Blue represents unity; Gold represents royal color of Malay rulers
β Symbols & Design Elements
14 red and white stripes; blue canton with yellow crescent and 14-point star
14 stripes and 14 points represent the 13 states and Federal Territories; crescent represents Islam; star represents unity
π‘ Interesting Fact
Originally had 11 stripes for 11 states; increased to 14 after Singapore joined (1963), and kept 14 even after Singapore left by counting Federal Territories
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Various designs with 11 stripes (1950-1963); updated to 14 stripes when Singapore joined then left federation
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Must be treated with respect; improper use can result in fines; never flown in tattered condition
π¨ Flag Description
Red field with a large green rectangle in the center containing a white crescent
π Colors & Meanings
RedGreenWhite
Red represents the blood of heroes; Green represents peace, prosperity and the palm trees; White crescent represents Islam
β Symbols & Design Elements
White crescent on green rectangle within red field
Crescent is traditional symbol of Islam; green panel represents life and prosperity surrounded by courage (red)
π‘ Interesting Fact
The flag originally included black and white vertical stripes representing historical maritime signal flags, removed at independence
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Similar design with black and white stripes removed after independence (1965)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Must be displayed at government buildings and honored as national symbol
π¨ Flag Description
Three equal vertical bands of green, gold, and red
π Colors & Meanings
GreenGold (Yellow)Red
Green represents fertility and land; Gold represents purity and mineral wealth; Red represents blood shed for independence
β Symbols & Design Elements
No specific symbols - tricolor pattern
Pan-African colors representing African unity and independence
π‘ Interesting Fact
Originally featured a black kanaga (stylized human figure) in the center when Mali was part of the Mali Federation with Senegal, removed after the federation dissolved
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Mali Federation flag with kanaga symbol (1959-1961)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Pan-African colors must be in correct order: green-gold-red
π¨ Flag Description
Two equal vertical bands of white (hoist) and red with George Cross in upper hoist canton
π Colors & Meanings
WhiteRed
White and red are traditional colors from Count Roger of Sicily (1091); symbolize purity and courage
β Symbols & Design Elements
George Cross on white band in upper hoist corner
George Cross awarded by King George VI in 1942 for heroism during WWII
π‘ Interesting Fact
Malta is one of only two countries whose flag features the George Cross (the other being Australia on state flags); awarded for bravery during WWII siege
π°οΈ Historical Versions
British Blue Ensign with Malta coat of arms (colonial era)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
George Cross must be properly depicted with "For Gallantry" inscription
π¨ Flag Description
Blue field with two diagonal stripes (orange and white) from lower hoist to upper fly, and a white 24-point star above them
π Colors & Meanings
BlueOrangeWhite
Blue represents the Pacific Ocean; Orange represents wealth and courage; White represents brightness and peace
β Symbols & Design Elements
White star with 24 points above two diagonal orange and white stripes
24-point star represents the 24 electoral districts; four longer points represent Majuro, Wotje, Jaluit, and Ebeye; rays symbolize the Christian cross and equator location
π‘ Interesting Fact
The diagonal rays represent the path of the islands from darkness to light, and also form a Christian cross representing the Marshallese faith
π°οΈ Historical Versions
US Trust Territory flag (until 1979)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Star must have 24 points with four elongated points
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
The unofficial historical flag shows four white serpents representing four tribes of Martinique
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Historical flag with four white serpents (unofficial)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
French overseas department; French flag protocol applies
π¨ Flag Description
Green field with red horizontal stripes at top and bottom, featuring a gold upward-pointing crescent and five-pointed star in the center
π Colors & Meanings
GreenGold (Yellow)Red
Green represents Islam and hope; Gold represents the sands of Sahara Desert; Red stripes (added 2017) represent blood shed for independence
β Symbols & Design Elements
Gold crescent and star on green field
Crescent and star represent Islam; crescent also represents the country's progress
π‘ Interesting Fact
Red stripes were added in 2017 to honor those who died fighting for independence, ending Mauritania's distinction (with Jamaica) as one of only two flags without red, white, or blue
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Same design without red stripes (1959-2017)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Red stripes added by referendum in 2017
π¨ Flag Description
Four equal horizontal bands of red, blue, yellow, and green
π Colors & Meanings
RedBlueYellowGreen
Red represents independence struggle; Blue represents the Indian Ocean; Yellow represents light of independence; Green represents agriculture and lush vegetation
β Symbols & Design Elements
No specific symbols - four equal bands
Four colors represent the diverse population and natural beauty of the island
π‘ Interesting Fact
One of the few national flags with four equal horizontal stripes; colors chosen to represent the multi-ethnic society of Mauritius
π°οΈ Historical Versions
British Blue Ensign with coat of arms (colonial era)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
All four bands must be equal width
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
Became France's 101st department in 2011; officially uses only French flag
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Unofficial flag with white crescent sometimes used
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
French overseas department; French flag protocol applies
π¨ Flag Description
Three equal vertical bands of green, white, and red with the national coat of arms centered in the white band
π Colors & Meanings
GreenWhiteRed
Green represents hope and independence; White represents purity and Catholic faith; Red represents the blood of national heroes
β Symbols & Design Elements
Coat of arms featuring golden eagle perched on prickly pear cactus devouring a snake
Eagle and snake represent Aztec legend of founding of Tenochtitlan (Mexico City); location where they saw this sign became their capital
π‘ Interesting Fact
The central emblem depicts the Aztec legend where the gods told them to build their city where they found an eagle eating a snake on a cactus - this became Tenochtitlan, now Mexico City
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Various designs since 1821; current coat of arms standardized in 1968
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Coat of arms must be present on official flags; civil flags may omit it; extremely detailed protocol for flag days and usage
π¨ Flag Description
Light blue field with four white five-pointed stars arranged in a diamond pattern representing the four island groups
π Colors & Meanings
BlueWhite
Blue represents the Pacific Ocean; White represents purity
β Symbols & Design Elements
Four white five-pointed stars arranged in a circle
Four stars represent the four states: Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae
π‘ Interesting Fact
The stars are arranged to represent the geographical position of the four states in the federation
π°οΈ Historical Versions
US Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands flag (until 1978)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Stars represent state equality and unity
π¨ Flag Description
Three equal vertical bands of blue, yellow, and red with the Moldovan coat of arms centered in the yellow band
π Colors & Meanings
BlueYellowRed
Blue represents sky and peace; Yellow represents prosperity and wheat fields; Red represents blood shed for independence and national pride
β Symbols & Design Elements
National coat of arms in center: golden eagle holding cross, shield with aurochs head
Eagle represents Latin origin; shield with aurochs (extinct ox) represents Moldova; olive branch represents peace
π‘ Interesting Fact
The flag is identical to Romania's except for the coat of arms, reflecting the shared Romanian heritage of Moldova
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic flag (1952-1990)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Coat of arms distinguishes it from Romanian flag
π¨ Flag Description
Two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white
π Colors & Meanings
RedWhite
Red and white are heraldic colors of the Grimaldi family who have ruled Monaco since 1297
β Symbols & Design Elements
No specific symbols - color pattern
Colors represent the ruling Grimaldi dynasty
π‘ Interesting Fact
Identical to Indonesia's flag except for proportions (Monaco 4:5 vs Indonesia 2:3) and predates it; both derive from medieval heraldry
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Various historical flags; current design based on 14th century heraldry
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Represents Grimaldi sovereignty; aspect ratio distinguishes it from Indonesian flag
π¨ Flag Description
Three equal vertical bands of red, blue, and red with the golden Soyombo symbol on the hoist-side red band
π Colors & Meanings
RedBlueGold (Yellow)
Red represents progress and prosperity; Blue represents eternal blue sky; Gold represents sovereignty and wealth
β Symbols & Design Elements
Soyombo symbol in gold on red hoist band
Soyombo is national symbol containing fire (prosperity), sun and moon (eternity), triangles (spearheads), rectangles (honesty), yin-yang (vigilance)
π‘ Interesting Fact
The Soyombo symbol was created in 1686 and combines multiple symbols: fire at top, sun, moon, triangles, rectangles, and yin-yang representing vigilance
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Communist flag with star above Soyombo (1940-1992)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Soyombo must be correctly depicted with all elements; communist star removed in 1992
π¨ Flag Description
Red field with gold border and the Montenegrin coat of arms (golden double-headed eagle) in the center
π Colors & Meanings
RedGold (Yellow)
Red represents courage and blood shed for freedom; Gold represents sovereignty and prosperity
β Symbols & Design Elements
Coat of arms with double-headed eagle holding scepter and orb; gold border around flag
Double-headed eagle represents church and state harmony; lion represents strength; scepter and orb represent secular and spiritual authority
π‘ Interesting Fact
One of only five national flags (with Ecuador, Moldova, Spain, and Vatican) featuring its full coat of arms in the center
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Socialist Republic flag (1946-2004) with red star
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Coat of arms must be correctly depicted; gold border is mandatory
π¨ Flag Description
Blue ensign with Union Jack in canton and coat of arms showing Erin with harp
π Colors & Meanings
BlueWhiteGreenBrown
Blue represents the Caribbean Sea
β Symbols & Design Elements
Woman (Erin of Ireland) embracing harp and cross
Represents Irish heritage of many settlers; cross represents Christianity
π‘ Interesting Fact
Known as "Emerald Isle of the Caribbean" due to Irish settlers; Erin represents this heritage
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Modified from earlier colonial badges
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
British overseas territory protocol applies
π¨ Flag Description
Red field with a green pentagram (five-pointed linear star) in the center
π Colors & Meanings
RedGreen
Red represents Alaouite dynasty and strength; Green pentagram represents Seal of Solomon and link to Islam
β Symbols & Design Elements
Green pentagram (five-pointed star) in center
Pentagram represents the Seal of Solomon and the five pillars of Islam
π‘ Interesting Fact
The pentagram was added in 1915 by Sultan Yusef to distinguish Morocco's flag from others during international maritime use
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Plain red flag (until 1915); green pentagram added to distinguish from other red flags
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Pentagram must be green and properly centered
π¨ Flag Description
Three horizontal bands of green, black (with white borders), and yellow; red triangle on hoist with yellow star over crossed rifle, hoe, and book
π Colors & Meanings
GreenBlackYellowWhiteRed
Green represents land and agriculture; Black represents African continent; Yellow represents mineral wealth; White represents peace; Red represents independence struggle
β Symbols & Design Elements
Red triangle with yellow star, crossed AK-47 rifle, hoe, and book
Star represents socialism and internationalism; AK-47 represents defense; hoe represents agriculture; book represents education
π‘ Interesting Fact
Only national flag in the world to feature a modern assault rifle (AK-47); there have been proposals to remove it but it remains
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
All symbols including rifle must be depicted; represents revolutionary heritage
 Flag.png)
π¨ Flag Description
Horizontal tricolor of yellow, green, and red with large white star in center
π Colors & Meanings
YellowGreenRedWhite
Yellow represents solidarity; Green represents peace and greenery; Red represents courage; White represents purity
β Symbols & Design Elements
Large white five-pointed star
Star represents the perpetual union of the country
π‘ Interesting Fact
Changed in 2010 along with constitutional changes; differs significantly from the 1974-2010 socialist design
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Socialist flag with different colors used 1974-2010
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Official national flag
π¨ Flag Description
Diagonal band of red bordered by narrow white stripes from lower hoist to upper fly, with blue upper and green lower triangles; gold sun in upper hoist
π Colors & Meanings
BlueRedGreenWhiteGold (Yellow)
Blue represents sky and ocean; Red represents Namibian people and determination for equality; Green represents vegetation and agriculture; White represents peace; Gold represents the Namib Desert and mineral resources
β Symbols & Design Elements
Golden sun with 12 triangular rays in upper hoist canton
Sun represents life and energy; 12 rays represent the 12 tribes of Namibia
π‘ Interesting Fact
Designed through a competition after independence; combines pan-African colors with symbols of the desert and new beginning
π°οΈ Historical Versions
South African flag used during occupation (until 1990)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Sun must have exactly 12 rays representing tribal unity
π¨ Flag Description
Blue field with a narrow yellow horizontal stripe across the center and a white 12-pointed star in the lower hoist quadrant
π Colors & Meanings
BlueYellowWhite
Blue represents Pacific Ocean; Yellow represents equator and phosphate mining; White represents phosphate
β Symbols & Design Elements
Yellow horizontal stripe representing equator; white 12-pointed star below it
Star with 12 points represents the 12 original tribes of Nauru; position below equator line shows location 42km south of equator
π‘ Interesting Fact
The star's position below the yellow stripe accurately represents Nauru's geographic position just south of the equator at 0.5 degrees
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Australian administration flag (until 1968)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Star must be below the equator line (yellow stripe)
π¨ Flag Description
Two stacked triangular pennons forming a double-pennon shape with blue border, white moon in upper triangle and white sun in lower triangle
π Colors & Meanings
Crimson RedBlueWhite
Crimson represents rhododendron (national flower) and bravery; Blue border represents peace; White symbols represent purity and the Himalayan peaks
β Symbols & Design Elements
Upper pennon has white crescent moon; lower has white 12-pointed sun
Moon represents the calm temperament of Nepalese; sun represents fierce resolve; together they wish for longevity like the sun and moon
π‘ Interesting Fact
The only national flag that is not rectangular or square; the flag's exact construction is mathematically defined in the constitution with precise geometric ratios
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Similar designs with faces on sun and moon (removed in 1962 for simplification)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Mathematical construction defined in constitution; must maintain specific angular measurements and proportions
π¨ Flag Description
Three equal horizontal bands of red, white, and blue
π Colors & Meanings
RedWhiteBlue
Colors derived from Prince of Orange coat of arms; Red replaced original orange due to visibility at sea; represents courage, peace, and loyalty
β Symbols & Design Elements
No specific symbols - tricolor pattern
Colors represent historical connection to House of Orange and Dutch maritime heritage
π‘ Interesting Fact
One of the oldest tricolor flags still in use; the original orange color faded to red in sunlight, leading to red becoming official; influenced many other flags including France and Russia
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Prince's Flag with orange instead of red (16th-17th centuries)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
One of oldest national flags in continuous use; blue must be cobalt not light blue (distinguishing from Luxembourg)
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.