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 8 of 10Showing 176 - 200 of 245 flags
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
Several unofficial regional flags exist but France does not recognize them officially
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Various unofficial regional flags used informally
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
French overseas department; French flag protocol applies
π¨ Flag Description
Three equal vertical bands of blue, yellow, and red
π Colors & Meanings
BlueYellowRed
Blue represents liberty; Yellow represents justice; Red represents fraternity and the blood of the nation
β Symbols & Design Elements
No symbols (communist emblem removed 1989)
Pure tricolor represents democratic Romania after communism
π‘ Interesting Fact
During the 1989 revolution, protesters famously cut out the communist coat of arms from the center, leaving a hole; identical to Chad's flag (different shades claimed)
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Communist version with coat of arms in center (1965-1989)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
No emblem in center distinguishes post-communist democratic flag
π¨ Flag Description
Three equal horizontal bands of white, blue, and red
π Colors & Meanings
WhiteBlueRed
White represents nobility and frankness; Blue represents faithfulness, honesty and chastity; Red represents courage, generosity and love
β Symbols & Design Elements
No specific symbols - tricolor pattern
Pan-Slavic colors adopted by many Slavic nations
π‘ Interesting Fact
Originally adopted by Peter the Great in 1696 inspired by Dutch flag; became pan-Slavic color scheme influencing many Slavic nations; readopted after Soviet Union dissolution
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Soviet red flag with hammer and sickle (1924-1991)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Equal width bands mandatory; represents democratic Russia
π¨ Flag Description
Three horizontal bands - blue (top, double width), yellow, and green with yellow sun in upper fly
π Colors & Meanings
BlueYellowGreen
Blue represents happiness and peace; Yellow represents economic development; Green represents hope and prosperity; sun represents enlightenment
β Symbols & Design Elements
Yellow sun with 24 rays in upper fly corner
Sun represents unity, transparency, and enlightenment; 24 rays represent light shining on all Rwandans
π‘ Interesting Fact
Completely redesigned in 2001 to distance from the 1994 genocide; previous flag colors were associated with the tragedy
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Red, yellow, green with "R" (1961-2001) - associated with genocide
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Sun must have 24 rays; represents post-genocide unity and reconciliation
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 pelicans and fleur-de-lis
N/A officially - uses French flag
π‘ Interesting Fact
Unofficial flag shows the coat of arms with pelicans representing seabirds common to the island
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Unofficial flag with white field and coat of arms exists
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
French overseas collectivity; French flag protocol applies
π¨ Flag Description
Blue ensign with Union Jack in canton and shield showing ship and wirebird
π Colors & Meanings
BlueWhiteRedGreenBrown
Blue represents the South Atlantic Ocean
β Symbols & Design Elements
Ship, Saint Helena plover (wirebird)
Ship represents RMS St Helena; wirebird is endemic and island symbol
π‘ Interesting Fact
The wirebird (Saint Helena plover) is critically endangered and found only on Saint Helena
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Badge modified over time, current version from 1984
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
British overseas territory protocol applies
π¨ Flag Description
Green and red triangles divided by black diagonal stripe with yellow borders and two white stars
π Colors & Meanings
GreenRedYellowBlackWhite
Green represents fertility; Red represents struggle for freedom; Yellow represents sunshine; Black represents African heritage; White represents peace
β Symbols & Design Elements
Two white stars on black diagonal stripe
Two stars represent the two islands (Saint Kitts and Nevis); five points represent hope and liberty
π‘ Interesting Fact
Won in a national competition held before independence; stars represent the twin-island federation
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Used colonial flags before independence in 1983
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Official national flag
π¨ Flag Description
Blue field with yellow isosceles triangle bordered by white and black triangles forming composite arrowhead
π Colors & Meanings
BlueYellowBlackWhite
Blue represents the Caribbean Sea and sky; Yellow represents sunshine; Black and white triangles represent racial harmony and cultural diversity
β Symbols & Design Elements
Yellow triangle with black and white triangles forming arrowhead
Central gold triangle represents sunshine; black and white triangles represent biracial heritage and harmony; shape evokes Pitons mountains
π‘ Interesting Fact
The triangular design represents the Pitons, two volcanic plugs that are Saint Lucia's most famous landmark; colors represent racial harmony
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Original 1967 version with different triangle proportions
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Triangle proportions represent Piton mountains
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 coat of arms
N/A officially - uses French flag
π‘ Interesting Fact
Shares the island with Sint Maarten (Dutch side); uses French flag officially
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Unofficial regional flag exists but not officially recognized
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
French overseas collectivity; French flag protocol applies
π¨ Flag Description
Blue field with yellow ship and three historical flags representing Basque, Breton, Norman heritage
π Colors & Meanings
BlueWhiteRedYellow
Blue represents ocean; symbols represent historical connections
β Symbols & Design Elements
Ship (La Grande Hermine), Basque flag, Breton flag, Norman flags
Ship represents Jacques Cartier; flags represent French regions that settled the islands
π‘ Interesting Fact
Though unofficial, widely used locally; shows heritage of French settlers from three regions
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Created 1982, not officially adopted by France
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
French overseas collectivity; officially uses only French flag
π¨ Flag Description
Vertical triband of blue, yellow, green with three green diamonds on yellow stripe
π Colors & Meanings
BlueYellowGreen
Blue represents sky and sea; Yellow represents sunshine and warmth; Green represents lush vegetation
β Symbols & Design Elements
Three green diamonds in V formation
Diamonds represent "Gems of the Antilles"; V formation represents first letter of Vincent
π‘ Interesting Fact
The three diamonds represent the Grenadine islands and form a V for Vincent
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Modified from earlier design in 1985
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Official national flag
π¨ Flag Description
Red field with blue canton in upper hoist containing five white stars of Southern Cross
π Colors & Meanings
RedWhiteBlue
Red represents courage; White represents purity; Blue represents freedom; Southern Cross represents Samoa's location
β Symbols & Design Elements
Blue canton with five white stars forming Southern Cross
Southern Cross constellation represents Samoa's position in the South Pacific
π‘ Interesting Fact
Originally had four stars, but a fifth smaller star was added in 1949 to better represent the Southern Cross constellation
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Four-star version (1949-1949); fifth star added almost immediately
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Five stars represent accurate Southern Cross; blue canton at hoist
π¨ Flag Description
Two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and light blue with the national coat of arms centered
π Colors & Meanings
WhiteLight Blue
White represents peace and snow on Mount Titano; Light blue represents sky and liberty
β Symbols & Design Elements
Coat of arms featuring three towers on three peaks, surrounded by wreath
Three towers represent three fortresses on Mount Titano; crown represents sovereignty; wreath represents peace
π‘ Interesting Fact
Represents one of the world's oldest republics (founded 301 AD); three towers on coat of arms are actual fortresses still standing on Mount Titano
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Plain white and blue without coat of arms (pre-1862)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Coat of arms must be present on state flag
π¨ Flag Description
Horizontal triband of green, yellow, green with red triangle at hoist and two black stars on yellow
π Colors & Meanings
GreenYellowBlackRed
Green represents vegetation; Yellow represents cocoa; Red represents struggle for independence; Black represents African heritage
β Symbols & Design Elements
Two black five-pointed stars
Two stars represent the two main islands (SΓ£o TomΓ© and PrΓncipe)
π‘ Interesting Fact
The flag design is similar to the flag of the African Party for Independence (MLSTP)
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Adopted at independence from Portugal in 1975
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Official national flag
π¨ Flag Description
Green field with white Arabic inscription (Shahada) and sword below it
π Colors & Meanings
GreenWhite
Green represents Islam and is traditional color of Prophet Muhammad; White represents purity and Islamic declaration
β Symbols & Design Elements
Shahada (Islamic declaration of faith) in Arabic script above a sword
Shahada represents Islamic faith; sword represents justice and strength; sword points left on reverse
π‘ Interesting Fact
Never flown at half-mast as the Shahada must never be lowered; never touches the ground as it contains sacred text; printed differently on each side so text reads correctly
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Various versions of green flag with similar symbols since 1744
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Must never be flown at half-mast due to Shahada; never on clothing or merchandise; must be printed double-sided
π¨ Flag Description
Blue field with white diagonal cross (saltire)
π Colors & Meanings
WhiteBlue
White saltire represents Saint Andrew; Blue (Pantone 300) represents sky
β Symbols & Design Elements
Saltire (X-shaped cross)
Saint Andrew's Cross; Andrew was martyred on an X-shaped cross
π‘ Interesting Fact
One of the oldest flags in continuous use; legend says it appeared in sky before battle in 832 AD
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Used for centuries; forms part of Union Jack
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Official flag of Scotland within UK; used alongside Union Jack
π¨ Flag Description
Three equal vertical bands of green, yellow, and red with a green five-pointed star centered in yellow band
π Colors & Meanings
GreenYellowRed
Green represents Islam, hope and agriculture; Yellow represents wealth and progress; Red represents life, sacrifice and determination; star represents unity
β Symbols & Design Elements
Green five-pointed star in center yellow band
Star represents unity, hope and African freedom; five points represent five continents
π‘ Interesting Fact
When Mali Federation dissolved in 1960, Senegal kept the colors but replaced the kanaga symbol with a star to represent openness to the world
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Mali Federation flag with kanaga symbol (1959-1960)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Pan-African colors with star representing unity
π¨ Flag Description
Three equal horizontal bands of red, blue, and white with coat of arms centered slightly toward hoist
π Colors & Meanings
RedBlueWhite
Red represents blood shed for freedom; Blue represents liberty; White represents mother's milk feeding Serbian children
β Symbols & Design Elements
Coat of arms with double-headed eagle, Serbian cross with four Cyrillic Π‘ (S), and royal crown
Double-headed eagle represents Serbian Empire; cross with four C represents "Samo Sloga Srbina Spasava" (Only Unity Saves the Serbs); crown represents sovereignty
π‘ Interesting Fact
The four Cyrillic C (Samo Sloga Srbina Spasava - Only Unity Saves the Serbs) form a cross and are often called "four firesteels" representing fire and light
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Yugoslavia flag (1918-1992); various Serbian flags throughout history
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Coat of arms must be correctly positioned; pan-Slavic colors
π¨ Flag Description
Five oblique bands of blue, yellow, red, white, and green radiating from the lower hoist corner
π Colors & Meanings
BlueYellowRedWhiteGreen
Blue represents sky and sea; Yellow represents sun; Red represents people and determination; White represents justice and harmony; Green represents land and environment
β Symbols & Design Elements
Five oblique colored bands radiating from lower hoist
Five colors represent diverse society; radiating design represents dynamic new nation
π‘ Interesting Fact
One of the most colorful flags in the world with five distinct colors; unique radiating design is distinctive among national flags
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Socialist flag with red, white, green (1977-1996)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Five bands must radiate from lower hoist in correct order
π¨ Flag Description
Three equal horizontal bands of green, white, and blue
π Colors & Meanings
GreenWhiteBlue
Green represents agriculture, mountains and natural resources; White represents unity and justice; Blue represents the Atlantic Ocean and hope for world peace
β Symbols & Design Elements
No specific symbols - tricolor pattern
Simple tricolor represents natural wealth, unity and maritime heritage
π‘ Interesting Fact
The green represents the Sierra Leone mountains (from which the country takes its name - "Lion Mountains"); relatively simple design among African flags
π°οΈ Historical Versions
British colonial flag (until 1961)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Colors must be in correct order representing land, peace, and sea
π¨ Flag Description
Two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; white crescent and five stars in upper hoist of red band
π Colors & Meanings
RedWhite
Red represents universal brotherhood and equality; White represents purity and virtue
β Symbols & Design Elements
White crescent moon and five white stars on red band
Crescent represents young nation on ascendant; five stars represent democracy, peace, progress, justice, and equality
π‘ Interesting Fact
The crescent is not an Islamic symbol in this context - it represents a young nation rising; the five stars are arranged in a circle representing equality
π°οΈ Historical Versions
British Straits Settlements flag (colonial period)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Stars represent five ideals: democracy, peace, progress, justice, equality
π¨ Flag Description
Red over blue horizontal bicolor with white triangle at hoist containing coat of arms
π Colors & Meanings
RedWhiteBlue
Red represents courage; White represents peace; Blue represents sea and sky
β Symbols & Design Elements
White triangle with coat of arms showing courthouse, orange border
Triangle represents equality; courthouse represents government; orange represents House of Orange-Nassau
π‘ Interesting Fact
Shares island with Saint Martin (French side); Dutch side became constituent country in 2010
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Adopted when became constituent country in 1985
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Constituent country of Kingdom of Netherlands
π¨ Flag Description
Three equal horizontal bands of white, blue, and red with coat of arms slightly toward hoist
π Colors & Meanings
WhiteBlueRed
White, blue, and red are traditional Slavic colors representing Slavic unity and independence
β Symbols & Design Elements
Coat of arms with double cross on three hills in shield
Double cross represents Eastern Orthodox Christianity and Byzantine heritage; three hills represent Tatra, Fatra, and Matra mountains
π‘ Interesting Fact
Coat of arms was added in 1992 to distinguish from identical Russian and Slovenian flags; double cross is ancient symbol of Slovakia
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Czechoslovak flag (1918-1993); plain tricolor without emblem
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Coat of arms must be present to distinguish from other Slavic flags
π¨ Flag Description
Three equal horizontal bands of white, blue, and red with coat of arms in upper hoist
π Colors & Meanings
WhiteBlueRed
White represents the snow-capped Alps; Blue represents the Adriatic Sea and sky; Red represents blood shed for independence
β Symbols & Design Elements
Coat of arms with Mount Triglav, stars, and wavy lines
Mount Triglav is highest peak; three stars from Counts of Celje; wavy lines represent sea and rivers
π‘ Interesting Fact
Coat of arms shows Mount Triglav (three peaks - "tri" means three), Slovenia's highest mountain and national symbol
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Yugoslav flag (1945-1991); Socialist Republic flag with red star
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Coat of arms distinguishes from Russian and Slovak flags
π¨ Flag Description
Divided diagonally by thin yellow stripe from lower hoist to upper fly; blue triangle with five white stars in upper hoist, green triangle in lower fly
π Colors & Meanings
BlueGreenYellowWhite
Blue represents the ocean; Green represents the land and forests; Yellow represents sunshine; White represents purity
β Symbols & Design Elements
Five white five-pointed stars on blue field; thin yellow diagonal stripe separates blue and green
Five stars represent the five main island groups at time of independence
π‘ Interesting Fact
The five stars originally represented five island groups; now the nation has many more provinces but the stars remain historically significant
π°οΈ Historical Versions
British colonial flag (until 1977)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Five stars represent original administrative divisions
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.