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 9 of 10Showing 201 - 225 of 245 flags
π¨ Flag Description
Light blue field with a large white five-pointed star in the center
π Colors & Meanings
Light BlueWhite
Light blue represents the sky and the Indian Ocean; blue also represents UN which helped Somalia gain independence; White represents peace
β Symbols & Design Elements
White five-pointed star in center
Five points represent five regions where Somali people live: Djibouti, Somaliland, Somalia, Ogaden, and NFD (Kenya)
π‘ Interesting Fact
The light blue color was chosen to match the UN flag as UN helped Somalia achieve independence; five-pointed star represents Somali irredentism
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Italian colonial flag (until 1954)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Star represents Somali unity across five regions
π¨ Flag Description
Y-shaped green band bordered by white and gold, separating red and blue triangles, with black triangle at hoist
π Colors & Meanings
RedGreenBlueBlackYellowWhite
Red represents bloodshed; Green represents fertility; Blue represents sky; Black represents the people; Yellow represents mineral wealth; White represents peace; Y-shape represents convergence
β Symbols & Design Elements
Horizontal Y-shape from hoist dividing flag
Y-shape represents convergence and unity of diverse society moving forward together
π‘ Interesting Fact
Designed in just six weeks before 1994 elections; combines colors of ANC, Afrikaner republics, and British flags; only national flag with six colors
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Apartheid-era flag with orange-white-blue and smaller flags (1928-1994)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Y-shape must flow from hoist; represents unity from division
π¨ Flag Description
White field with red and blue taegeuk in center and four black trigrams (from I Ching) in each corner
π Colors & Meanings
WhiteRedBlueBlack
White represents peace and purity; Red and blue in yin-yang represent cosmic forces; Black trigrams represent heaven, earth, water, and fire
β Symbols & Design Elements
Red and blue Taegeuk (yin-yang) in center; four black trigrams in corners
Taegeuk represents balance of universe; four trigrams represent cardinal directions and classical elements
π‘ Interesting Fact
Based on Taoist and Confucian philosophy; the trigrams represent heaven (β°), fire/sun (β²), water/moon (β΅), and earth (β·)
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Various designs during Joseon dynasty; standardized in 1949
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Trigrams must be correctly positioned; taegeuk properly balanced
π¨ Flag Description
Three horizontal stripes of black, red, and green separated by thin white stripes; blue triangle at hoist with yellow star
π Colors & Meanings
BlackRedGreenWhiteBlueYellow
Black represents the people; Red represents blood shed; Green represents land; White represents peace; Blue represents Nile waters; Yellow star represents unity
β Symbols & Design Elements
Blue triangle at hoist with yellow star
Blue represents the Nile; yellow star represents unity of states; triangle points to future
π‘ Interesting Fact
Similar to Kenya and Sudan flags; adopted from SPLM (Sudan People's Liberation Movement) flag when South Sudan became independent in 2011
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Sudanese flag used before independence (until 2011)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Star represents unity of the world's youngest nation
π¨ Flag Description
Three horizontal stripes of red, yellow (double width), and red with coat of arms in left center of yellow band
π Colors & Meanings
RedYellow (Gold)
Red and yellow are traditional Spanish colors; red represents strength and valor; yellow represents generosity
β Symbols & Design Elements
Coat of arms showing crowns, lion, castle, chains, pomegranates, and Pillars of Hercules
Symbols represent kingdoms and regions: Castile (castle), LeΓ³n (lion), Aragon (stripes), Navarre (chains), Granada (pomegranate)
π‘ Interesting Fact
Colors chosen by Charles III in 1785 to make Spanish ships easily identifiable at sea; coat of arms includes motto "Plus Ultra" (Further Beyond) on Pillars of Hercules
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Republican flag with purple (1931-1939); various royal versions
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Coat of arms appears on state flag; civil flag may omit it
π¨ Flag Description
Maroon field with gold lion holding sword, four gold bo leaves in corners, bordered by gold; green and orange vertical stripes on hoist
π Colors & Meanings
MaroonYellowGreenOrangeWhite
Maroon represents Sinhalese; Green represents Muslims; Orange represents Tamils; Yellow represents Buddhism; Gold lion represents bravery
β Symbols & Design Elements
Gold lion holding sword on maroon field; four bo leaves in corners; green and orange vertical stripes on hoist
Lion represents Sinhalese people and bravery; sword represents authority; bo leaves represent Buddhism; stripes represent minorities
π‘ Interesting Fact
Based on the ancient Kingdom of Kandy's banner; the sword-bearing lion has been a symbol of Sri Lanka for over 2,000 years
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Various versions since 1948; bo leaves added in 1972, stripes in 1951
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Lion must hold sword (kastane); four bo leaves represent Buddhism
π¨ Flag Description
Three horizontal stripes of red, white, and black with a green triangle at the hoist
π Colors & Meanings
RedWhiteBlackGreen
Red represents socialism and revolution; White represents peace and light; Black represents Sudan ("black land"); Green represents Islam and prosperity
β Symbols & Design Elements
Green triangle at hoist
Green triangle represents Islam and agricultural wealth
π‘ Interesting Fact
Adopted after Nimeiry coup in 1969; uses pan-Arab colors similar to flags of Egypt, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Anglo-Egyptian Sudan flags (colonial period)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Pan-Arab color scheme represents Arab unity
π¨ Flag Description
Five horizontal bands of green, white, red (double width with star), white, and green
π Colors & Meanings
GreenWhiteRedYellow
Green represents fertility and agriculture; White represents justice and freedom; Red represents progress and love; Yellow star represents unity and golden future
β Symbols & Design Elements
Yellow five-pointed star in center of red band
Star represents unity of all ethnic groups and a golden future
π‘ Interesting Fact
Adopted at independence from Netherlands; the five-pointed star represents the five main ethnic groups living in harmony
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Dutch colonial flag (until 1975)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Yellow star represents ethnic unity and independence
π¨ Flag Description
Horizontal bands of blue, yellow-bordered red, yellow, red (yellow-bordered), blue with a Nguni shield and weapons in the center
π Colors & Meanings
BlueYellowRedBlackWhite
Blue represents peace and stability; Yellow represents mineral wealth; Red represents past battles; Black and white shield represents ethnic diversity
β Symbols & Design Elements
Black and white Nguni shield, two spears, staff with feather tassels
Shield represents protection; spears represent defense; staff with feathers represents king
π‘ Interesting Fact
The shield and spears design is based on traditional Swazi warrior regalia given to the regiment
π°οΈ Historical Versions
British protectorate flag used until independence in 1968
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
The shield must face toward the hoist side
π¨ Flag Description
Blue field with yellow Scandinavian cross shifted toward the hoist
π Colors & Meanings
BlueYellow (Gold)
Blue and yellow are derived from the Swedish coat of arms featuring three gold crowns on blue field
β Symbols & Design Elements
Yellow (gold) Nordic cross on blue field
Nordic cross represents Christianity; Swedish royal heraldic colors
π‘ Interesting Fact
The design may date back to King Eric IX using a gold cross on blue in 1157; colors from coat of arms with three crowns; inspired other Nordic flags
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Various shades and proportions standardized in 1906
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Cross must be gold/yellow on blue; specific shade and proportions defined
π¨ Flag Description
Red square field with bold, equilateral white cross in the center
π Colors & Meanings
RedWhite
Red represents courage and strength; White cross represents Christianity, neutrality, and peace
β Symbols & Design Elements
White cross with equal arms on red square field
Cross represents Christian faith and Swiss Confederacy; square format is unique
π‘ Interesting Fact
One of only two square national flags (Vatican is the other); inspired Red Cross flag (colors reversed); cross is "couped" (arms don't reach edges)
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Various cantonal flags; federal cross standardized 1889
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Must be square (1:1 ratio) except for naval use; cross arms must be equal
π¨ Flag Description
Three horizontal bands of red, white, and black with two small green stars on white band
π Colors & Meanings
RedWhiteBlackGreen
Red represents sacrifice; White represents peace; Black represents oppression; Green represents Islam and the Rashidun Caliphate
β Symbols & Design Elements
Two green five-pointed stars on white band
Originally represented Syria and Egypt in UAR; now represent Syria and Ba'ath Arab unity
π‘ Interesting Fact
Same design as used during United Arab Republic with Egypt (1958-1961); readopted in 1980 after several different flags
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Various flags including UAR (1958-1961), Federation with Egypt and Libya (1972-1977)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Two stars represent pan-Arab unity aspirations
π¨ Flag Description
Red field with navy blue canton in upper hoist containing a white sun with 12 triangular rays
π Colors & Meanings
RedBlueWhite
Red represents blood of revolutionaries; Blue represents nationalism and liberty; White represents democracy, equality, and livelihood of the people
β Symbols & Design Elements
Blue canton with white sun containing 12 rays
White sun represents Republic of China; 12 rays represent 12 traditional Chinese hours and progress of the nation
π‘ Interesting Fact
The flag was designed before the Republic of China was established; 12 rays also represent the classical Chinese concept of 12 two-hour periods in a day
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Qing Dynasty flags (until 1912)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Official flag of Republic of China (Taiwan); represents Three Principles of the People
π¨ Flag Description
Three horizontal stripes of red, white (triple width), and green with gold crown and seven stars in center
π Colors & Meanings
RedWhiteGreenYellow
Red represents unity and the sun; White represents purity, cotton, and snow on mountains; Green represents nature and valleys; Gold crown represents sovereignty
β Symbols & Design Elements
Gold crown with seven stars in center white band
Crown represents Samanid dynasty; seven stars represent perfection and seven historical regions, and seven verses of Quran opening
π‘ Interesting Fact
The crown design is from the ancient Samanid Empire; number seven holds special significance in Persian culture
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Tajik SSR flag with hammer, sickle, and star (1953-1992)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Crown must have seven stars above it; represents sovereignty and culture
π¨ Flag Description
Green and blue triangles separated by black diagonal band bordered by thin yellow stripes from lower hoist to upper fly
π Colors & Meanings
GreenYellowBlackBlue
Green represents vegetation; Yellow represents mineral wealth; Black represents the people; Blue represents Indian Ocean and lakes
β Symbols & Design Elements
No specific symbols - diagonal stripe pattern
Diagonal design merges Tanganyika (green-black) and Zanzibar (blue) elements
π‘ Interesting Fact
Created when Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged in 1964 to form Tanzania; combines elements from both predecessor flags
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Separate Tanganyika and Zanzibar flags before 1964 union
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Diagonal design represents union of mainland and islands
π¨ Flag Description
Five horizontal bands of red, white, blue (double width), white, and red
π Colors & Meanings
RedWhiteBlue
Red represents the blood of life and the nation; White represents purity and Buddhism; Blue represents the monarchy
β Symbols & Design Elements
No specific symbols - five horizontal bands
Five stripes represent the five pillars: nation, religion, and king
π‘ Interesting Fact
Changed from red with white elephant to current design in 1917 to show solidarity with WWI allies (France, Britain, Russia, USA) who all had red-white-blue flags
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Red field with white elephant (until 1917)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Blue band must be double width of others; represents monarchy
π¨ Flag Description
Three equal horizontal bands of aquamarine, yellow and aquamarine, with a black equilateral triangle based on the hoist side
π Colors & Meanings
AquamarineYellowBlack
Aquamarine represents the Caribbean Sea; Yellow represents the sand and sunshine; Black represents the strength, vigor and force of a united people
β Symbols & Design Elements
Black equilateral triangle
The triangle points toward the body of the flag representing the enterprise and determination of Bahamian people to develop the rich resources of land and sea
π‘ Interesting Fact
The flag was designed by a committee of Bahamians and adopted the day the Bahamas gained independence
π°οΈ Historical Versions
British colonial flag used until independence in 1973
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
The black triangle must always be on the hoist (left) side
π¨ Flag Description
Red field with yellow triangle and black triangle at hoist, white star in center
π Colors & Meanings
RedYellowBlackWhite
Red represents struggle for liberation; Yellow represents traces of colonialism; Black represents obscurantism to overcome; White represents peace
β Symbols & Design Elements
Black triangle, yellow triangle, white star
Star represents hope and guiding light; triangles represent progress
π‘ Interesting Fact
Originally hoisted for 9 days in 1975 before Indonesian invasion; re-adopted at independence in 2002
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Used briefly in 1975, banned during Indonesian occupation, re-adopted 2002
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Official national flag
π¨ Flag Description
Five horizontal stripes (green-yellow alternating) with red canton containing white star
π Colors & Meanings
GreenYellowRedWhite
Green represents hope and agriculture; Yellow represents mineral wealth; Red represents blood shed for independence; White represents peace and purity
β Symbols & Design Elements
White five-pointed star in red canton
Star represents independence and hope; five points represent five regions
π‘ Interesting Fact
The flag uses the golden ratio (0.618:1) which is rare among national flags; considered aesthetically harmonious
π°οΈ Historical Versions
French colonial flag (until 1960)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Unique golden ratio proportions; pan-African colors
π¨ Flag Description
Blue field with yellow canoe and four stars representing Southern Cross
π Colors & Meanings
BlueYellowWhite
Blue represents ocean; Yellow represents sun
β Symbols & Design Elements
Yellow Southern Cross, canoe (toloa)
Southern Cross represents location; canoe represents seafaring heritage and three atolls
π‘ Interesting Fact
Adopted after two failed independence referendums; represents Tokelau's distinct identity while remaining with NZ
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Used New Zealand flag before 2009
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
New Zealand territory; used alongside New Zealand flag
π¨ Flag Description
Red field with white canton containing red cross in upper hoist corner
π Colors & Meanings
RedWhite
Red represents the blood of Jesus Christ; White represents purity; cross represents Christianity
β Symbols & Design Elements
Red cross on white canton in upper hoist; red field
Red cross represents Christianity and sacrifice of Christ
π‘ Interesting Fact
Enshrined in constitution of 1875 and has never changed; one of the oldest continuously used national flags in Oceania
π°οΈ Historical Versions
None - unchanged since 1875
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Protected by constitution; cannot be changed without constitutional amendment
π¨ Flag Description
Red field with white-bordered black diagonal band from upper hoist to lower fly
π Colors & Meanings
RedWhiteBlack
Red represents the sun, the vitality of the land and people; White represents the sea, purity and equality; Black represents strength, unity, purpose, and wealth of the land
β Symbols & Design Elements
No specific symbols - diagonal stripe
Diagonal represents Trinidad and Tobago's geographic position and dynamic character
π‘ Interesting Fact
The diagonal design is unusual and distinctive; colors chosen to avoid similarity to other Caribbean flags
π°οΈ Historical Versions
British colonial flag (until 1962)
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Diagonal band represents islands' vitality and direction
π¨ Flag Description
Red field with white disc in center containing red crescent enclosing red five-pointed star
π Colors & Meanings
RedWhite
Red represents blood of martyrs; White represents peace; crescent and star represent Islam
β Symbols & Design Elements
White disc with red crescent enclosing red five-pointed star
Crescent and star are Islamic symbols; disc represents the sun
π‘ Interesting Fact
Dates back to 1827 during Ottoman rule; one of the oldest flags in the Arab world; similar to Turkey but with reversed colors in the disc
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Ottoman-influenced designs since 1827; standardized 1959
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Star must be positioned within crescent; represents Islamic heritage
π¨ Flag Description
Red field with white crescent moon and five-pointed star positioned near center
π Colors & Meanings
RedWhite
Red represents blood of martyrs and bravery; White represents purity and peace; crescent and star are traditional Islamic symbols
β Symbols & Design Elements
White crescent and five-pointed star
Crescent and star are Ottoman/Islamic symbols; star may represent the five pillars of Islam
π‘ Interesting Fact
Legend claims the design comes from the reflection of the moon and a star in a pool of blood during a battle; mathematical proportions precisely defined
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Ottoman Empire flags with similar design
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Crescent and star positioning mathematically defined in law; exact measurements specified
π¨ Flag Description
Green field with vertical red stripe containing five carpet guls near hoist; white crescent and five stars in upper hoist
π Colors & Meanings
GreenWhiteRedYellow
Green represents Islam and nature; White represents serenity; Red represents bravery; vertical stripe contains traditional carpet designs
β Symbols & Design Elements
Crescent and five stars in upper hoist; vertical stripe with five carpet guls; olive branches
Crescent represents Islam; five stars represent five regions and senses; carpet patterns represent five major tribes; olive branches represent neutrality
π‘ Interesting Fact
Only national flag to feature traditional carpet patterns; the five guls represent the five major Turkmen tribes and their distinct carpet designs
π°οΈ Historical Versions
Soviet Turkmen SSR flag (until 1992); olive branches added 1997
βοΈ Flag Protocol & Usage
Carpet designs must accurately represent five tribes; olive branches added to represent UN-recognized neutrality
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.