Flag In 36 editions of 36.

• a "World" flag does not exist, but the United Nations (UN) flag -- adopted on 7 December 1946 -- has sometimes been used to represent the entire planet;
• the flag displays the official UN emblem in white on a blue background;
• the emblem design shows a world map in an azimuthal equidistant projection centered on the North Pole, with the image flanked by two olive branches;
• blue was chosen to represent peace, in contrast to the red usually associated with war;
• the map projection includes all the continents except Antarctica

note 1: the flags of 12 nations -- Austria, Botswana, Georgia, Jamaica, Japan, Laos, Latvia, Micronesia, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Switzerland, and Thailand -- have no top or bottom and may be flown with either long edge on top

note 2: the most common colors found on national flags are as follows: red (~75%), white (~70%), and blue (~50%); these three colors are so prevalent that there are only two countries, Jamaica and Sri Lanka, that do not include one of them; the three next most popular colors are yellow/gold and green (both ~45%) and black (~30%)

note 3: flags composed of three colors are by far the most common type and, of those, the red-white-blue combination is the most widespread

description:

• two equal vertical bands of green (left) and white;
• a red,
• five-pointed star inside a red crescent,
• centered over the two-color boundary

meaning:

• the colors represent Islam (green), purity and peace (white), and liberty (red);
• the crescent and star are also Islamic symbols, but the crescent is more closed than those of other Muslim countries because Algerians believe the long crescent horns bring happiness

description:

two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and black with a centered yellow emblem of a five-pointed star inside half a cogwheel, crossed by a machete (in the style of a hammer and sickle)

meaning:

red stands for liberty and black for the African continent; the emblem symbolizes workers and peasants

description:

two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and red (bottom) to the right, with a vertical green band on the left side

meaning:

green stands for hope and revival, yellow for wealth, and red for courage

history:

uses the colors of the Pan-African movement

description:

light blue with a horizontal white-edged black stripe across the middle

meaning:

the blue symbolizes rainwater, and the black and white bands represent racial harmony

description:

two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green, with a five-pointed yellow star in the center

meaning:

red stands for the country's struggle for independence, green for hope and abundance, and yellow for the country's mineral wealth

history:

uses the colors of the Pan-African movement

description:

divided by a white diagonal cross into red triangles (top and bottom) and green triangles (on each side) with a white disk at the center bearing three six-pointed red stars outlined in green and arranged in a triangular design

meaning:

• green stands for hope and optimism, white for purity and peace, and red for the blood shed in the struggle for independence;
• the three stars represent the major ethnic groups (Hutu, Twa, Tutsi), as well as unity, work, and progress

description:

• five unequal horizontal bands;
• the top band of blue is half the height of the flag;
• under it are three narrow bands of white, red, and white, and a bottom stripe of blue;
• a circle of 10 five-pointed yellow stars is centered on the red stripe and sits toward the left side of the flag

meaning:

• blue stands for the sea and sky;
• the stripes symbolize the country's formation through peace (white) and effort (red);
• the stars represent the 10 major islands

description:

three equal vertical bands of green (left side), red, and yellow, with a small five-pointed yellow star centered in the red band

meaning:

• red stands for unity;
• yellow for the sun, happiness, and the northern savannahs;
• green for hope and the southern forests;
• the star is called the "star of unity;" the vertical tricolor design is similar to the French flag

history:

uses the colors of the Pan-African movement

description:

• four equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, green, and yellow with a vertical red band in the center;
• a five-pointed yellow star sits in the top left corner of the flag, on the blue band

meaning:

• combines the pan-African and French flag colors;
• red stands for blood spilled in the struggle for independence, blue for the sky and freedom, white for peace and dignity, green for hope and faith, and yellow for tolerance;
• the star represents aspiring to a vibrant future

description:

three equal vertical bands of blue (left side), gold, and red

meaning:

• combines the blue and red French (former colonial) colors with the red and yellow Pan-African colors;
• blue stands for the sky, hope, and the south of the country;
• gold for the sun and the desert in the north;
• red for progress, unity, and sacrifice

note: almost identical to the flag of Romania, but with a darker shade of blue; also similar to the flags of Andorra and Moldova, both of which have a national coat of arms centered in the yellow band; design based on France's flag

description:

• four equal horizontal bands of yellow (top), white, red, and blue, with a green isosceles triangle based on the left;
• a vertical white crescent moon is centered in the triangle, with four five-pointed white stars placed vertically in a line between the points of the crescent

meaning:

the horizontal bands and the stars represent the four main islands of the archipelago -- Mwali, N'gazidja, Ndzuwani, and Mahore (Mayotte is a department of France, but claimed by Comoros)

note: the crescent, stars, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam

description:

• sky-blue field divided diagonally from the lower-left corner to the upper-right corner by a red stripe bordered with two narrow yellow stripes;
• a five-pointed yellow star is in the upper-left corner

meaning:

• blue stands for peace and hope, red for the blood of the country's martyrs, and yellow for the country's wealth and prosperity;
• the star symbolizes unity and a brilliant future for the country

description:

divided diagonally from the lower-left side by a wide yellow band; the upper triangle (left side) is green, and the lower triangle is red

meaning:

• green stands for agriculture and forests, and yellow for the people's friendship and nobility;
• the meaning of the red color is not noted but has been associated with the struggle for independence

history:

uses the colors of the Pan-African movement

description:

three equal vertical bands of orange (left side), white, and green

meaning:

orange stands for the savannah and fertility, white for peace and unity, green for the forests of the south and the hope for a bright future; design based on France's flag

note: similar to the flag of Ireland, which is wider and has the colors reversed -- green (left side), white, and orange; also similar to the flag of Italy, which is green (left side), white, and red

description:

two equal horizontal bands of light blue (top) and light green, with a white isosceles triangle based on the left side that has a five-pointed red star in the center

meaning:

• blue stands for sea, sky, and the Issa Somali people, green for earth and the Afar people, and white for peace;
• the red star stands for the struggle for independence and unity

description:

• three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black;
• centered in the white band is the national emblem, a gold Eagle of Saladin;
• it faces the left side, with a shield on its chest, above a scroll with the country's name in Arabic

meaning:

the band colors derive from the Arab Liberation flag and represent oppression (black) overcome through bloody struggle (red), to be replaced by a bright future (white)

note: similar to the flags of Syria (two green stars in the white band), Iraq (an Arabic inscription centered in the white band), and Yemen (plain white band)

description:

• three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and red, with a blue isosceles triangle based on the left side and the coat of arms centered in the white band;
• the coat of arms has six six-pointed yellow stars (representing the mainland and five offshore islands) above a gray shield with a silk-cotton tree;
• below is a scroll with the motto UNIDAD, PAZ, JUSTICIA (Unity, Peace, Justice)

meaning:

green stands for the jungle and natural resources, blue for the sea, white for peace, and red for the fight for independence

description:

• a red isosceles triangle (based on the left side) divides the flag into two right triangles;
• the upper triangle is green, the lower is blue;
• a gold wreath around a gold olive branch is on the left side of the red triangle

meaning:

• green stands for the country's agriculture economy, red for the blood shed in the fight for freedom, and blue for the sea's bounty;
• the shape of the red triangle mimics the country's shape

note: one of four national flags that reflect the country's shape in the flag design; the others are Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, and Vanuatu

description:

• three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (triple-width), and blue;
• the red band is edged in yellow, with a large black-and-white shield in the center that covers two horizontal spears and a staff with feather tassels

meaning:

• blue stands for peace and stability, red for past struggles, and yellow for the mineral resources of the country;
• the shield, spears, and staff symbolize protection from enemies, and the shield colors stand for ethnic groups living in peaceful coexistence

description:

• three equal horizontal bands of green (top), yellow, and red, with a light blue disk centered on the three bands;
• on the disk is a yellow pentagram with single yellow rays emanating from the angles between the points

meaning:

• green stands for hope and the land's fertility, yellow for justice and harmony, and red for sacrifice and heroism;
• the blue of the disk symbolizes peace, and the pentagram represents the Ethiopian people's unity and equality

history:

the emblem in the center of the current flag was added in 1996

note: Ethiopia is the oldest independent country in Africa, and newly independent African countries often adopted the Ethiopian flag's colors, which were later known as the Pan-African movement's colors

description:

three equal horizontal bands of green (top), yellow, and blue

meaning:

green stands for the country's forests and natural resources, gold for the equator and the sun, and blue for the sea

description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue with white edges, and green

meaning:

red stands for the sun and the savannah, blue for the Gambia River, and green for forests and agriculture; the white stripes denote unity and peace

description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), yellow, and green, with a large five-pointed black star centered in the yellow band

meaning:

• red stands for the blood shed for independence, yellow for the country's mineral wealth, and green for its forests and natural wealth;
• the black star is said to be the lodestar of African freedom

history:

uses the colors of the Pan-African movement

note: similar to the flag of Bolivia, which has a coat of arms centered in the yellow band

description:

three equal vertical bands of red (left side), yellow, and green

meaning:

• red stands for the people's sacrifice for liberation and work;
• yellow for the sun, the riches of the earth, and justice;
• green for the country's vegetation and unity

history:

uses the colors of the Pan-African movement

note: the colors from left to right are the reverse of those on the flags of neighboring Mali and Senegal

description:

two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and green, with a vertical red band on the left side; a five-pointed black star is centered in the red band

meaning:

• yellow stands for the sun,
• green for hope,
• red for blood shed during the struggle for independence;
• the black star stands for African unity

history:

uses the colors of the Pan-African movement; the Ghanaian flag heavily influenced the design

description:

• three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and green;
• the red band is edged in white;
• a large Maasai warrior's shield covering crossed spears is at the center

meaning:

• black stands for the majority population, red for the blood shed in the struggle for freedom, green for natural wealth, and white for peace;
• the shield and crossed spears symbolize the defense of freedom

description:

• three horizontal stripes of blue (top), white, and green;
• centered on the white stripe is a black mokorotlo , a traditional Basotho straw hat and national symbol

meaning:

blue stands for rain, white for peace, and green for prosperity

history:

the redesigned flag was introduced in 2006 to celebrate 40 years of independence

description:

11 equal horizontal stripes of red alternating with white; a five-pointed white star sits on a blue square in the upper-left corner

meaning:

• the stripes stand for the signatories of the Liberian Declaration of Independence, the blue square for the African mainland, and the star for the freedom granted to ex-slaves;
• the blue stands for liberty, justice, and fidelity;
• the white for purity, cleanliness, and guilelessness;
• the red for steadfastness, valor, and fervor

note: the design is based on the US flag

description:

three horizontal bands of red (top), black (double-width), and green, with a white crescent and star centered on the black stripe

meaning:

the colors represent the three major regions of the country: red stands for Fezzan, black for Cyrenaica, and green for Tripolitania; the crescent and star represent Islam

history:

the National Transitional Council reintroduced this flag design from the former Kingdom of Libya (1951-69) in 2011 to replace the all-green banner of the QADHAFI regime

description:

two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green, with a vertical white band on the left side

meaning:

red stands for sovereignty, green for hope, and white for purity

description:

three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and green, with a rising red sun centered on the black band

meaning:

• black stands for ethnic groups, red for the blood shed in the struggle for freedom, and green for nature;
• the sun represents the hope of freedom for the continent of Africa

description:

three equal vertical bands of green (left side), yellow, and red

history:

uses the colors of the Pan-African movement

note: the colors from left to right are the same as those of neighboring Senegal (which has an additional green central star) and the reverse of the flag of neighboring Guinea

description:

• green with red stripes along the top and bottom edges;
• on the green field,
• a five-pointed yellow star is centered over a yellow,
• upward-pointing crescent moon

meaning:

• the crescent, star, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam;
• green also represents hope for a bright future;
• yellow stands for the sands of the Sahara, and red for blood shed in the fight for independence

description:

four equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue, yellow, and green

meaning:

• red stands for self-determination and independence;
• blue for the Indian Ocean;
• yellow for the new light of independence, golden sunshine, or the bright future;
• and green for agriculture or the island's lush vegetation

note: Mauritius has the only national flag with four horizontal color bands

description:

red with a green pentacle (five-pointed linear star) known as Sulayman's (Solomon's) seal in the center of the flag

meaning:

• red and green are traditional colors in Arab flags, although the use of red is more commonly associated with the Arab states of the Persian Gulf;
• the pentacle represents the five pillars of Islam and the association between God and the nation

history:

the design dates to 1912

description:

• three equal horizontal bands of green (top), black, and yellow, with a red isosceles triangle based on the left side;
• the black band is edged in white;
• centered in the triangle is a five-pointed yellow star with a crossed black-and-white rifle and hoe, on top of an open white book

meaning:

• green stands for the riches of the land, white for peace, black for the African continent, yellow for the country's minerals, and red for the fight for independence;
• the rifle stands for defense and vigilance, the hoe for agriculture, the open book for the importance of education, and the star for Marxism and internationalism

note: one of two national flags featuring a firearm; the other is Guatemala

description:

• a wide red stripe edged with narrow white stripes divides the flag diagonally from lower-left corner to upper-right corner;
• the upper triangle is blue and has a golden-yellow, 12-ray sunburst, and the lower triangle is green

meaning:

• red stands for the heroism of the people and their determination to build a future of equal opportunity;
• white stands for peace, unity, tranquility, and harmony;
• blue stands for the sky and the Atlantic Ocean, the sun for power and existence, and green for vegetation and agricultural resources

description:

three equal horizontal bands of orange (top), white, and green, with an orange disk centered on the white band

meaning:

• orange stands for the northern Sahara regions, white for purity and innocence, and green for hope and the fertile and productive southern and western areas, as well as the Niger River;
• the orange disc represents the sun and the people's sacrifices

note: similar to the flag of India, which has a blue spoked wheel centered on the white band

description:

three equal vertical bands of green (left side), white, and green

meaning:

green stands for the country's forests and natural resources, and white for peace and unity

description:

three horizontal bands of sky blue (top, double-width), yellow, and green, with a golden sun with 24 rays on the right end of the blue band

meaning:

• blue stands for happiness and peace, yellow for economic development and mineral wealth, and green for hope for prosperity and natural resources;
• the sun symbolizes unity and enlightenment

description:

• blue with the UK flag in the upper-left quadrant and the Saint Helenian shield centered on the right half of the flag;
• the upper third of the shield depicts a white plover on a yellow field;
• under the bird is a rocky coastline and a three-masted sailing ship with sails furled and flying an English flag

history:

the flag has been in use since 1984, when it was commissioned to mark the 150th anniversary of Saint Helena becoming a Crown Colony

note: the French flag flies at Longwood House (Napoleon's former residence) and Napoleon's (now-empty) tomb on the island, because the French Government has owned the properties since 1858

description:

three horizontal bands of green (top), yellow (double-width), and green with two five-pointed black stars in the center of the yellow band and a red isosceles triangle based on the left side

meaning:

• green stands for the country's rich vegetation, red for the struggle for independence, and yellow for cocoa, one of the country's main agricultural products;
• the two stars symbolize the main islands

history:

uses the colors of the Pan-African movement

description:

• three equal vertical bands of green (left side), yellow, and red, with a small five-pointed green star centered on the yellow band;
• green stands for Islam, progress, and hope, yellow for natural wealth and progress, and red for sacrifice and determination;
• the star represents unity and hope

history:

uses the colors of the Pan-African movement

note: the colors from left to right are the same as Mali's flag and the reverse of Guinea's flag

description:

five expanding bands of blue, yellow, red, white, and green, radiating from the bottom left corner

meaning:

• the bands symbolize a dynamic new country moving into the future;
• blue stands for the sky and sea, yellow for the sun giving light and life, red for the people's determination to work for the future in unity and love, white for social justice and harmony, and green for the land and natural environment

description:

three equal horizontal bands of light green (top), white, and light blue

meaning:

• green stands for agriculture, mountains, and natural resources;
• white for unity and justice;
• and blue for the sea and the natural harbor in Freetown

description:

light blue with a large white five-pointed star in the center

meaning:

• the blue field was originally influenced by the UN flag but today is said to represent the sky and the Indian Ocean;
• the five points of the star represent the regions in the horn of Africa where Somali people live: the former British Somaliland and Italian Somaliland (which together make up Somalia), Djibouti, Ogaden (Ethiopia), and the Northeast Province (Kenya)

description:

• two equal-width horizontal bands of red (top) and blue separated by a central green band that splits into a horizontal Y;
• a black isosceles triangle is in the Y, with narrow yellow bands around it;
• the red and blue bands are bordered by narrow white stripes

meaning:

the colors have no official meaning, but the Y stands for "the convergence of diverse elements within South African society, taking the road ahead in unity"

note: South Africa has one of two national flags that display six colors as part of the primary design -- the other is South Sudan's

description:

• three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and green;
• the red band is edged in white;
• a five-pointed gold star is in the middle of a blue isosceles triangle based on the left side

meaning:

• black stands for the people, red for the blood shed in the struggle for freedom, green for the land, and blue for the Nile;
• the gold star represents the unity of the country's states

note 1: similar to the flag of Kenya

note 2: South Sudan has one of two national flags that display six colors as part of the primary design -- the other is South Africa's

description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black, with a green isosceles triangle based on the left side

meaning:

• red stands for the struggle for freedom;
• white for peace, light, and love, black for the people;
• green for Islam, agriculture, and prosperity

history:

colors and design are based on the Arab Revolt flag of World War I

description:

• divided diagonally by a yellow-edged black band, from the lower left corner to the upper right corner;
• the upper triangle (left side) is green, and the lower is blue

meaning:

• colors come from the flags of Tanganyika and Zanzibar;
• green stands for natural vegetation, gold for rich mineral deposits, black for the Swahili people, and blue for lakes and rivers, as well as the Indian Ocean

description:

five equal horizontal bands of green (top and bottom) alternating with yellow; a five-pointed white star on a red square is in the upper-left corner

meaning:

• the five horizontal stripes stand for the country's regions;
• red stands for the people's loyalty and patriotism;
• green for hope, fertility, and agriculture;
• yellow for mineral wealth and faith that hard work and strength will bring prosperity;
• the star symbolizes life, purity, peace, dignity, and national independence

history:

uses the colors of the Pan-African movement

description:

red with a white disk in the center that displays a red crescent around a five-pointed red star

meaning:

red stands for martyrs' blood shed the fight against oppression, and white for peace; the crescent and star are traditional symbols of Islam

history:

resembles the Ottoman flag (red banner with white crescent and star), a reference to Tunisia's history as part of the Ottoman Empire

description:

• six equal horizontal bands of black (top), yellow, red, black, yellow, and red;
• a white disk is at the center and shows a grey crowned crane (the national symbol)

meaning:

black stands for the African people, yellow for sunshine and vitality, and red for African brotherhood

description:

green field with a soaring orange eagle in the upper-right corner; a panel of three vertical bands is under the eagle, in red (left side), black, and orange

meaning:

• green stands for the country's natural resources and vegetation, red for the struggle for freedom, black for the people, and orange for the country's mineral wealth;
• the eagle represents the people's ability to rise above the nation's problems

description:

• seven equal horizontal bands of green (top), yellow, red, black, red, yellow, and green, with a white isosceles triangle edged in black based on the left side;
• in the middle of the triangle, a yellow bird is on top of a five-pointed red star

meaning:

• the bird represents the long history of the country;
• white stands for peace, green for agriculture, yellow for mineral wealth, red for the blood shed to achieve independence, and black for the people

description:

two horizontal bands of navy and white, with a stylized white peak at the center; the peak casts a navy shadow in the shape of a compass arrow pointed south

meaning:

• the bands represent the long days and nights at Antarctica's extreme latitude;
• the compass arrow is an homage to the continent's legacy of exploration;
• the peak and the arrow together create a diamond, symbolizing the hope that Antarctica will continue to be a center of peace, discovery, and cooperation

history:

the flag is unofficial; created in 2018, the True South flag has quickly become popular for its simple yet elegant design and has been used by national Antarctic programs, Antarctic nonprofits, and expedition teams

the flag of Norway is used

the flag of France is used

the flag of Australia is used

description:

• blue with the UK flag in the upper-left quadrant;
• the islands' coat of arms is centered on the right half of the flag and has a green shield with a golden lion holding a torch;
• a fur seal is to the left of the shield and a Macaroni penguin to the right;
• a reindeer appears above the crest, and below the shield on a scroll is the motto LEO TERRAM PROPRIAM PROTEGAT (Let the Lion Protect its Own Land)

meaning:

the lion represents the UK and discovery; the seal, penguin, and reindeer are native to the islands

description:

two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red, with a large disk set slightly to the left; the top half of the disk is red, and the bottom is white

meaning:

• the design represents the sun reflecting off a field of ice;
• the colors are the same as the Danish flag and symbolize Greenland's links to the Kingdom of Denmark

description:

blue with a red cross outlined in white extending to the edges of the flag; the cross is shifted to the left in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag)

meaning:

red stands for the island's volcanic fires, white for the snow and ice fields, and blue for the ocean

the flag of Norway is used

the flag of Norway is used

description:

• three equal vertical bands of black (left), red, and green, with the national emblem in white centered on the red band and slightly overlapping the other bands;
• the emblem shows a mosque with a pulpit and flags on either side;
• below the mosque are Eastern Arabic numerals for the solar year 1298 (1919 in the Gregorian calendar, the year of Afghan independence from the UK);
• a border of wheat sheaves circles the mosque;
• above the mosque is an Arabic inscription of the Shahada (Muslim creed), with rays of the rising sun over the Takbir (Arabic expression meaning "God is great");
• under the mosque is a scroll with the name Afghanistan

meaning:

black stands for the past, and red for the blood shed for independence; green can represent hope for the future, agricultural prosperity, or Islam

history:

• Afghanistan had more changes to its national flag in the 20th century -- 19 by one count -- than any other country;
• the colors black, red, and green appeared on most of them

note: the United States has not recognized the Taliban or any other entity as the government of Afghanistan and, accordingly, continues to display the flag of Afghanistan as set forth in the country's constitution of 2004

description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue, and orange

meaning:

red stands for the blood shed for liberty, blue for the Armenian skies and hope, and orange for the land and the courage of the workers who farm it

description:

three equal horizontal bands of sky blue (top), red, and green; a vertical crescent moon and an eight-pointed star in white are centered in the red band

meaning:

• the blue band stands for Azerbaijan's Turkic heritage, red for modernization and progress, and green for Islam;
• the crescent moon and star are a Turkic insignia;
• the eight star points represent the eight Turkic peoples of the world

description:

green field with a large red disk shifted slightly to the left

meaning:

the red disk represents the rising sun and the sacrifice to achieve independence; the green field symbolizes the lush vegetation of Bangladesh

description:

• divided diagonally from the lower-left corner to the upper-right corner;
• the upper triangle is yellow, and the lower triangle is dark orange;
• centered along the dividing line is a large, stylized black-and-white dragon facing to the right;
• the dragon is called the Druk (Thunder Dragon) and is the national emblem

meaning:

• white stands for purity, and the jewels in the dragon's claws symbolize wealth;
• the background colors represent the spiritual and secular powers in Bhutan, with orange standing for Buddhism and yellow for the ruling dynasty

description:

• white with six wavy blue horizontal stripes;
• the UK flag is in the upper-left quadrant;
• the striped section has a palm tree and yellow crown (the territory's symbols) centered on the right half of the flag

meaning:

the wavy stripes represent the Indian Ocean; the six blue stripes may stand for the six main atolls of the archipelago

description:

red with a large five-pointed yellow star and four smaller ones in the upper-left corner; the small stars are arranged in a vertical arc around the large one

meaning:

red represents revolution; the stars symbolize the four social classes -- the working class, the peasantry, the urban petty bourgeoisie, and the national bourgeoisie (capitalists) -- united under the Communist Party of China

description:

• white rectangle with a central red cross extending to all four sides of the flag;
• each of the four quadrants displays a small red bolnur-katskhuri cross (also known as Bolnisi cross), which has equal-length arms that are slightly wider at the end than in the center

history:

sometimes referred to as the Five-Cross Flag, the design is based on a 14th-century banner of the Kingdom of Georgia

description:

three equal horizontal bands of saffron (top), white, and green, with a blue chakra (24-spoked wheel) centered in the white band

meaning:

• saffron stands for courage, sacrifice, and the spirit of renunciation;
• white for purity and truth;
• green for faith and fertility;
• the chakra symbolizes the wheel of life in movement and death in stagnation

note: similar to the flag of Niger, which has a small orange disk centered in the white band

description:

white with a large red disk that symbolizes the sun without rays, in the center

history:

• the current flag was adopted in 1854, but a sun flag has been in use in Japan since at least 1184;
• the sun has long been a national symbol: according to tradition, the sun goddess Amaterasu founded the country in the 7th century B.C.

description:

• a gold sun with 32 rays above a soaring golden steppe eagle, both centered on a sky-blue background;
• the left side displays a national pattern called koshkar-muiz (the horns of the ram) in gold

meaning:

• the blue color has religious significance for the Turkic peoples and symbolizes cultural and ethnic unity, as well as sky and water;
• the sun stands for wealth and plenitude, with rays shaped like grain;
• the eagle has appeared on Kazakh tribal flags for centuries and represents freedom, power, and the flight to the future

description:

• three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (triple-width), and blue;
• the red band is edged in white;
• on the left side of the red band is a white disk with a red five-pointed star

meaning:

• the red band stands for revolutionary traditions, the white for purity, strength, and dignity;
• blue for sovereignty, peace, and friendship;
• the red star represents socialism

description:

• white with a red-and-blue yin-yang symbol in the center;
• a black trigram ( kwae ) from the ancient I Ching (Book of Changes) is in each corner of the white field

meaning:

• the flag is called Taegukki;
• white is a traditional Korean color and represents peace and purity;
• blue stands for the negative cosmic forces of the yin, and red for the opposite positive forces of the yang;
• each trigram represents one of the universal elements, which together express the principle of movement and harmony

description:

• red field with a yellow sun in the center that has 40 rays that run counterclockwise on the front of the flag and clockwise on the reverse;
• in the center of the sun is a red ring crossed by two sets of three lines in a stylized representation of a tunduk, the circular opening at the top of a traditional Kyrgyz yurt

meaning:

the sun's rays represent the Kyrgyz tribes; red stands for bravery and valor, and the sun for peace and wealth

description:

red with a large green rectangle in the center and a vertical white crescent moon centered on the rectangle

meaning:

red stands for those who have sacrificed their lives to defend the country, green for peace and prosperity, and the white crescent is a symbol of Islam

description:

• three equal vertical bands of red (left side), blue, and red;
• centered on the left-side red band is the national emblem in yellow, the soyombo, which is an abstract representation of fire, sun, moon, earth, water, and the yin-yang symbol

meaning:

blue stands for the sky, and red for progress and prosperity

description:

• crimson red with a blue border, in the shape of two overlapping right triangles;
• the smaller upper triangle has a stylized white moon, and the larger lower triangle has a 12-pointed white sun

meaning:

• red stands for the rhododendron (the national flower) and victory and bravery, and the blue border for peace and harmony;
• the two triangles are a combination of two pennants that originally symbolized the Himalaya Mountains, but today they refer to Hinduism and Buddhism, the country's two main religions;
• the moon stands for the serenity of the people, as well as Himalayan shade and cool weather, and the sun for the heat and higher temperatures in the rest of the country

note: Nepal is the only country with a flag that is not rectangular or square

description:

green with a vertical white band on the left side; a large white crescent and star are centered in the green field

meaning:

the crescent, star, and color green are all traditional Islamic symbols; the white band symbolizes the role of religious minorities

description:

three equal horizontal bands of white (top), blue, and red

meaning:

colors may have been based on the Dutch flag, but no official meaning is assigned

history:

created when Russia built its first naval vessels, and was used mostly as a naval flag until the 19th century

note: inspired several other Slavic countries to adopt horizontal tricolors of the same colors in different arrangements

description:

• yellow with two panels;
• the smaller panel on the left has two equal vertical bands of green (left side) and orange;
• the larger panel has a yellow lion holding a sword on a maroon field, with a yellow bo leaf in each corner

meaning:

• the sword stands for national sovereignty;
• the lion for Sinhalese ethnicity, the strength of the nation, and bravery;
• the four bo leaves for Buddhism and the four virtues of kindness, friendliness, happiness, and equanimity;
• orange stands for Tamils, green for Moors, and maroon for the Sinhalese majority;
• yellow represents other ethnic groups

note: the banner is sometimes referred to as the Lion Flag

description:

• three horizontal stripes of red (top), a wider stripe of white, and green;
• a gold crown under seven five-pointed gold stars is in the center of the white stripe

meaning:

• red stands for the sun, victory, and the unity of the nation;
• white for purity, cotton, and mountain snows;
• green for Islam and nature's bounty;
• the crown symbolizes the Tajik people;
• the stars represent the number seven, which is considered a symbol of perfection and the embodiment of happiness

description:

• green field with a vertical red stripe near the left side;
• the stripe has five tribal guls (designs used in producing carpets) stacked above two crossed olive branches;
• five five-pointed white stars and a white crescent moon appear in the upper left corner of the main field

meaning:

the green color and crescent moon stand for Islam, the five stars for the country's regions, and the guls for national identity

description:

three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and green separated by narrow red stripes with a vertical white crescent moon and 12 five-pointed white stars in the left corner of the top band

meaning:

• blue stands for the Turkic peoples and the sky, white for peace and the striving for purity in thoughts and deeds, and green for nature and Islam;
• the red stripes represent the vital force of all living organisms;
• the crescent stands for Islam, and the 12 stars for the months and constellations of the Uzbek calendar

description:

• blue, with the UK flag in the upper-left quadrant and the Anguillan coat of arms centered on the outer half of the flag;
• the coat of arms shows three orange dolphins in an interlocking circular design on a white background, with a turquoise-blue field below

meaning:

• the white on the coat of arms stands for peace;
• the blue base for the sea, faith, youth, and hope;
• and the three dolphins for endurance, unity, and strength

description:

• red, with an inverted isosceles triangle in the center that spans the flag from top to bottom;
• the triangle contains three horizontal bands of black (top), light blue, and white, with a yellow rising sun in the black band

meaning:

• the sun stands for the dawn of a new era, black for the African heritage of most of the population, blue for hope, and red for the dynamism of the people;
• the "V" shape of the triangle stands for victory;
• the yellow, blue, and white colors are also meant to evoke the country's tourist attractions of sun, sea, and sand

description:

blue, with two narrow, horizontal yellow stripes across the lower portion and a red four-pointed star outlined in white in the upper-left corner

meaning:

• the star stands for Aruba's red soil and white beaches, and its four points for the major languages (Papiamento, Dutch, Spanish, English) and the points of a compass, to indicate that its inhabitants come from all over the world;
• blue symbolizes Caribbean waters and skies;
• the stripes represent the island's two main industries, tourism and mining

description:

three equal horizontal bands of aquamarine (top), gold, and aquamarine, with a black equilateral triangle based on the left side

meaning:

• the band colors represent the islands' golden beaches surrounded by the aquamarine sea;
• black stands for the vigor and force of a united people, and the triangle for the people's enterprise and determination

description:

three equal vertical bands of ultramarine blue (left side), gold, and ultramarine blue with a black trident head centered on the gold band

meaning:

blue stands for the sea and sky, and gold for the beaches; the trident head represents independence and a break with the past

description:

• royal blue with a narrow red stripe along the top and the bottom edges;
• the coat of arms is on a large white disk at the center and shows a shield flanked by two workers in front of a mahogany tree, with the motto SUB UMBRA FLOREO (I Flourish in the Shade) on a scroll at the bottom;
• a green garland of 50 mahogany leaves rings the coat of arms

meaning:

• the figures, the mahogany tree, and the garland refer to the logging industry that led the British to settle Belize;
• blue and red are the colors of the two main political parties

note: Belize has the only national flag that depicts humans; the flags of two British overseas territories, Montserrat and the British Virgin Islands, also depict humans

description:

• blue with the UK flag in the upper-left quadrant and the Virgin Islander coat of arms centered on the right half of the flag;
• the coat of arms depicts a woman between two columns of six oil lamps, above a scroll with the Latin word VIGILATE (Be Watchful)

meaning:

Christopher COLUMBUS named the islands in 1493 in honor of Saint Ursula and her virgin followers, and the figure holding a lamp represents the saint, with the other lamps symbolizing her followers

description:

• a blue field with the UK flag in the upper-left quadrant and the Caymanian coat of arms centered on the right half of the flag;
• the coat of arms has a pineapple, a turtle, a shield with a golden lion and three green stars, and a scroll below the shield with the motto HE HATH FOUNDED IT UPON THE SEAS

meaning:

• the pineapple represents ties to Jamaica;
• the turtle represents the Caymans' seafaring tradition;
• the lion symbolizes Great Britain;
• the green stars represent the three islands;
• the white and blue wavy lines on the coat of arms represent the sea

description:

five horizontal bands of blue (top), white, red (double-width), white, and blue, with the coat of arms in a white elliptical disk placed toward the left side of the red band

meaning:

• the blue is said to stand for the sky, opportunity, and perseverance;
• the white for peace, happiness, and wisdom;
• and the red for the blood shed for freedom, as well as Costa Ricans' generosity and vibrancy

history:

Costa Rica retained the earlier blue-white-blue flag of Central America until 1848 when, in response to revolutions in Europe, it was decided to incorporate the French colors by adding a central red stripe

note: somewhat resembles the flag of North Korea; similar to the flag of Thailand, but with the blue and red colors reversed

description:

• five equal horizontal bands of blue (top, center, and bottom) alternating with white;
• a red equilateral triangle based on the left side has a five-pointed white star in the center

meaning:

• the blue bands stand for the islands' three former departments: Central, Occidental, and Oriental;
• the white bands for the purity of the independence ideal;
• the triangle for liberty, equality, and fraternity;
• the red color for the blood shed in the independence struggle;
• the white star, called "La Estrella Solitaria" (the Lone Star), lights the way to freedom and was inspired by the state flag of Texas

note: design similar to the Puerto Rican flag, with the colors of the bands and triangle reversed

description:

• on a blue field, a horizontal yellow band divides the flag below the center;
• two five-pointed white stars -- the smaller above and to the left of the larger -- appear in the upper left

meaning:

• the blue stands for the sky and sea, and yellow for the sun;
• the stars symbolize Curacao and its uninhabited sister island of Klein Curacao (Little Curacao);
• the star points represent the five continents from which Curacao's inhabitants originate

description:

• green with a centered cross of three equal bands in yellow, black, and white;
• in the center of the cross is a red disk with a Sisserou parrot surrounded by 10 five-pointed green stars edged in yellow

meaning:

• the stars represent the 10 administrative divisions (parishes);
• green symbolizes the island's lush vegetation;
• the tricolor cross represents the Christian Trinity;
• yellow stands for sunshine, the primary agricultural products (citrus and bananas), and the Carib people;
• black for the rich soil and the African heritage of most citizens;
• white for rivers, waterfalls, and the purity of aspirations;
• the red disc for social justice

description:

• a centered white cross extends to the edges and divides the flag into four rectangles;
• the top ones are ultramarine blue (left side) and vermilion red, and the bottom ones are vermilion red (left side) and ultramarine blue;
• a small coat of arms with a shield supported by a laurel branch and a palm branch is at the center of the cross;
• above the shield, a blue ribbon displays the motto DIOS, PATRIA, LIBERTAD (God, Fatherland, Liberty);
• below the shield, REPUBLICA DOMINICANA is on a red ribbon;
• on the shield, a Bible is opened to a verse that reads "Y la verdad nos hara libre" (And the truth shall set you free)

meaning:

blue stands for liberty, white for salvation, and red for the blood of heroes

description:

• three equal horizontal bands of cobalt blue (top), white, and cobalt blue, with the national coat of arms centered in the white band;
• the coat of arms has a round emblem with the words REPUBLICA DE EL SALVADOR EN LA AMERICA CENTRAL around it

meaning:

the blue bands stand for the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, and the white for the land, as well as peace and prosperity

history:

the banner is based on the former blue-white-blue flag of the Federal Republic of Central America

note: similar to the flag of Nicaragua, which has a different coat of arms centered in the white band; also similar to the flag of Honduras, which has five blue stars arranged in an "X" pattern and centered in the white band

description:

• a rectangle divided diagonally into yellow triangles (top and bottom) and green triangles (left and right), with a wide red border around the flag;
• three five-pointed yellow stars are centered on the top and bottom of the red border, with one larger yellow star on a red disk at the center of the flag;
• a small yellow-and-red nutmeg pod is on the left triangle

meaning:

• the seven stars stand for the country's administrative divisions, with the central star symbolizing the capital, St. George's;
• yellow stands for the sun and the warmth of the people, green for vegetation and agriculture, and red for harmony, unity, and courage

description:

• three equal vertical bands of light blue (left side), white, and light blue, with the coat of arms centered in the white band;
• the coat of arms includes a green-and-red quetzal (the national bird), a scroll with the inscription LIBERTAD 15 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1821 (the original date of independence from Spain), a pair of crossed rifles, and a pair of crossed swords;
• a laurel wreath frames the objects

meaning:

• the rifles stand for Guatemala's willingness to defend itself, the swords for honor, and the laurel wreath for victory;
• blue stands for the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, and white for peace and purity

note: one of two national flags featuring a firearm -- the other is Mozambique

description:

• two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red;
• a centered white rectangle bears the coat of arms, which has a palm tree flanked by flags and two cannons above a scroll with the motto L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE (Union Makes Strength)

meaning:

the colors are taken from the French flag and represent the union of ethnic groups

description:

three equal horizontal bands of cerulean blue (top), white, and cerulean blue, with five five-pointed cerulean stars arranged in an "X" pattern and centered in the white band

meaning:

• the stars represent the members of the former Federal Republic of Central America: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua;
• blue stands for the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, and white for the land and the people's peace and prosperity

note: similar to the flag of El Salvador, which has a round emblem surrounded by the words REPUBLICA DE EL SALVADOR EN LA AMERICA CENTRAL; also similar to the flag of Nicaragua, which has a triangle with the words REPUBLICA DE NICARAGUA above and AMERICA CENTRAL below

description:

diagonal yellow cross divides the flag into four triangles, two green (top and bottom) and two black (left and right)

meaning:

• green stands for hope, vegetation, and agriculture;
• black for hardships overcome and to be faced;
• and yellow for sunshine and natural resources

description:

• blue with the UK flag in the upper-left quadrant and the Montserratian coat of arms centered in the right half of the flag;
• the arms show a woman in a green dress standing beside a yellow harp and embracing a large, dark-brown cross with her right arm

meaning:

• the woman is Erin, the female personification of Ireland, the harp is an Irish symbol, and the cross represents the Christian faith;
• blue stands for awareness, trustworthiness, determination, and righteousness

the flag of the US is used

description:

• three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and blue, with the national coat of arms centered in the white band;
• the coat of arms has a triangle with the words REPUBLICA DE NICARAGUA in an arc over it and AMERICA CENTRAL in an arc underneath

meaning:

blue stands for the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, and white for the land between the two bodies of water

history:

the banner is based on the former blue-white-blue flag of the Federal Republic of Central America

note: similar to the flag of El Salvador, which has a round emblem; also similar to the flag of Honduras, which has five blue stars in an "X" pattern centered on the white band

description:

• divided into four equal rectangles;
• one of the top quadrants is white (left side) with a five-pointed blue star in the center, and the other is plain red;
• one of the bottom quadrants is plain blue (left side), and the other is white with a five-pointed red star in the center

meaning:

• blue and red stand for the main political parties, and white for peace between them;
• the blue star stands for the civic virtues of purity and honesty, and the red star for authority and law

description:

five equal horizontal bands of red alternating with white; a blue isosceles triangle based on the left side has a large five-pointed white star in the center

meaning:

• the star stands for the country;
• the three sides of the triangle stand for the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the government;
• blue stands for the sky and the coastal waters, red for the blood shed by warriors, and white for liberty, victory, and peace

note: design initially influenced by the US flag, but similar to the Cuban flag, with the colors of the bands and triangle reversed

the flag of France is used

description:

• divided diagonally from the lower left side by a broad black band with two five-pointed white stars;
• the black band is edged in yellow;
• the upper triangle is green, and the lower is red

meaning:

• green stands for the island's fertility, red for the struggles of the people from slavery, yellow for year-round sunshine, and black for the people's African heritage;
• the white stars stand for the islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis but can also express hope and liberty, or independence and optimism

description:

cerulean blue with a gold isosceles triangle below a black arrowhead; the upper edges of the arrowhead have a white border

meaning:

• blue stands for the sky and sea, gold for sunshine and prosperity, and white and black for the ethnic composition of the island;
• the triangles represent Gros Piton and Petit Piton, the cone-shaped volcanic plugs that are a symbol of the island

the flag of France is used

description:

• three vertical bands of blue (left side), gold (double-width), and green;
• the gold band has three green diamonds arranged in a "V" pattern that stands for "Vincent"

meaning:

• the diamonds represent the islands as "the Gems of the Antilles" and are set slightly lowered in the gold band to reflect the country's position in the Antilles;
• blue stands for the tropical sky and sea, yellow for the sand, and green for vegetation

description:

• two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and blue, with a white isosceles triangle based on the left side;
• the national coat of arms is in the center of the triangle, with an orange-bordered blue shield that displays the white courthouse in Philipsburg, as well as yellow sage (the national flower) in the upper left and the silhouette of a Dutch-French friendship monument in the upper right;
• over the shield is a yellow rising sun and a brown pelican in flight;
• a yellow scroll below the shield has the motto SEMPER PROGREDIENS (Always Progressing)

note: the flag resembles Philippines' flag, but with the red and blue bands reversed; the three main colors are the same as the Dutch flag

description:

red with a white-edged black diagonal band from the upper left to the lower right

meaning:

• the colors represent the elements of earth, water, and fire;
• black also stands for the wealth of the land and the dedication of the people;
• white for the sea, the purity of the country's aspirations, and equality;
• red for the sun, the vitality of the land, and the people's courage and friendliness

description:

• blue with the UK flag in the upper-left quadrant and the colonial shield centered on the right half of the flag;
• the shield is yellow and displays a conch shell, a spiny lobster, and Turk's cap cactus

description:

• white field with a modified US coat of arms in the center between the large blue initials "V" and "I";
• the coat of arms shows a yellow eagle holding an olive branch in its right talon and three arrows in its left, with a shield of seven red and six white vertical stripes below a blue panel

meaning:

white is a symbol of purity, and the letters stand for the Virgin Islands

description:

red with a black two-headed eagle in the center

meaning:

Albanians traditionally see themselves as descendants of the eagle; they refer to themselves as "Shqiptare," which translates as "sons of the eagle"

history:

the design is said to originate with 15th-century Albanian hero Georgi Kastrioti SKANDERBEG, who led a successful uprising against the Ottoman Turks

description:

• three vertical bands of blue (left side), yellow, and red, with the national coat of arms centered in the yellow band, which is slightly wider than the other two;
• the coat of arms features a quartered shield with the emblems of Urgell, Foix, Bearn, and Catalonia;
• the motto reads VIRTUS UNITA FORTIOR (Strength United is Stronger)

meaning:

the flag combines the blue and red French colors with the red and yellow of Spain to symbolize Franco-Spanish protection

note: similar to the flags of Chad and Romania, which do not have a national coat of arms in the center, and the flag of Moldova, which does bear a national emblem

description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and red

history:

• one of the oldest national flags in the world;
• according to tradition, after a fierce battle in the Third Crusade in 1191, Duke Leopold V of Austria's white tunic became blood-spattered;
• when his sash was removed, a white band was revealed, and the red-white-red color combination was adopted as his banner

description:

• red horizontal band (top), with a green horizontal band below that is half the width of the red band;
• a white vertical stripe on the left side has traditional Belarusian designs in red

meaning:

the red stands for past struggles to escape oppression, and the green for hope and the country's forests

description:

three equal vertical bands of black (left side), yellow, and red

history:

• the vertical design was based on the flag of France;
• the colors are from the arms of the duchy of Brabant (yellow lion with red claws and tongue on a black field)

description:

• a wide blue vertical band on the right side, with a large yellow isosceles triangle in the middle of the flag, based at the top;
• the rest of the flag is blue, with seven five-pointed white stars and two half-stars along the triangle's hypotenuse

meaning:

• the triangle approximates the country's shape, and its three points stand for the Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs;
• the stars represent Europe;
• the colors (white, blue, and yellow) are traditional and are also associated with neutrality and peace

note: one of four national flags that reflect the shape of the country in the flag design; the others are Brazil, Eritrea, and Vanuatu

description:

three equal horizontal bands of white (top), green, and red

meaning:

• white stands for peace, love, and freedom;
• green for the country's agricultural wealth;
• red for the independence struggle and military courage

history:

• originally adopted in 1879 as a modified version of the Russian tricolor flag, using green instead of blue;
• the communist coat of arms was added to the flag in various forms between 1948 and 1990, when it was removed after the communist government collapsed

description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and blue -- the pan-Slav colors -- with the Croatian coat of arms in the center, which consists of a main shield (a checkerboard of 13 red and 12 silver fields) with five smaller shields that form a crown over the main shield

meaning:

the small shields represent the five historic regions (from left to right): Croatia, Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Istria, and Slavonia

history:

Russia's 19th-century flag inspired the pan-Slav colors

description:

two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red with a blue isosceles triangle based on the left side

note: combines the white and red of Bohemia with blue from the arms of Moravia; identical to the flag of the former Czechoslovakia

description:

red field with a white cross that extends to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the left

history:

• referred to as the Dannebrog (Danish flag) and is one of the oldest national flags in the world;
• the origin of the design is unclear;
• one legend says that the banner fell from the sky during an early-13th-century battle and inspired the royal army to victory;
• in actuality, the flag may derive from a crusade banner

note: Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and the Faroe Islands subsequently adopted the shifted-cross design

description:

three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), black, and white

meaning:

• blue stands for faith, loyalty, and devotion, and also the sky, sea, and lakes;
• black for the country's soil and the Estonian people's past suffering;
• white for striving for enlightenment and virtue and also for birch bark, snow, and summer nights illuminated by the midnight sun

description:

• a blue field with 12 five-pointed gold stars arranged in a circle in the center;
• blue stands for the sky of the Western world, and the stars for unity, solidarity, and harmony

meaning:

the number of stars is fixed and does not correspond to the number of member states

description:

• white with a red cross outlined in blue that extends to the edges of the flag;
• the cross is shifted toward the left side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag)

meaning:

white represents waves breaking on the shore; red and blue are traditional Faroese colors

history:

the flag is referred to as Merkid, meaning "the banner" or "the mark;" a group of students designed it in 1919, although it wasn't officially adopted until 1940

note: resembles the flags of Iceland and Norway; uses the same three colors in a different sequence and with a lighter blue

description:

white with a blue cross extending to the edges of the flag; the cross is shifted to the left in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag)

meaning:

the blue stands for the country's thousands of lakes, and the white for snow

description:

three equal vertical bands of blue (left side), white, and red

history:

• known as the le tricolore (tricolor), the flag dates to 1790 and the French Revolution, when the traditional color of white was combined with the blue and red of the Paris militia;
• for the first four years of the flag's use (1790-94), the order of colors was reversed (red-white-blue)