Complete Flags of the World

Pakistan Asia

Ratio: 2:3 Adopted: August 14, 1947 Usage: National Star symbolizes light
and knowledge
The white strip
represents non-
Muslim and other
minority groups

in Pakistan

The crescent
represents progress

Asia

#HINA Once a part of British India, Pakistan was created
in 1947 as an independent Muslim state. Today, it
!FGHAN is divided into four provinces.
)RAN

0!+)34!.
)NDIA

The flag was designed by Muhammad THE SYMBOLISM OF THE COLORS
Ali Jinnah, founder of the nation. It is
associated with the flag used by the The green and white together stand
All-India Muslim League as an for peace and prosperity. The crescent
emblem of its aim of achieving an symbolizes progress and the star
independent Muslim state. Their flag represents light and knowledge.
was green, with a central white star
and crescent. At independence, a The flag of the President is similar
white stripe was added at the hoist to to the national flag. The emblems are
represent the state’s minorities. in gold and are enclosed within a
wreath of laurel. Beneath is the name
of the state in Urdu.

THE PRESIDENT’S FLAG

The field of the The crescent and star
President’s flag is green are symbols of Islam

and white, like the The name of the state
national flag is written in Urdu

197

Asia

Nepal

Ratio: 4:3 (plus border) Adopted: December 16, 1962 Usage: National and Civil

The blue border The crescent moon
denotes peace represents the royal house

Red is the color of the
rhododendron, Nepal’s

national flower

The sun represents
the Rana family

Asia

#HINA From 1960 Nepal was ruled by an absolute
.%0!, monarchy. This regime ended in 1991 when the
first multiparty elections were held.
)NDIA

The flag of Nepal is the only THE SUN AND THE MOON
national flag that is not rectangular
or square. Originally, two separate Until 1962, the flag’s emblems, the
triangular pennants were flown one sun and the crescent moon, had
above the other; these were then human faces. They were removed to
joined to form a single flag. Its modernize the flag. The sun retains
crimson red is the color of the the face on the Royal Standard. The
rhododendron; the country’s crescent represents the royal house
national flower. Red is also the and the sun denotes the Rana family,
sign of victory in war. The blue who were hereditary prime ministers
border is the color of peace. until 1961.

The Royal Standard shows THE ROYAL STANDARD (1960–2008)
a rampant lion holding a
lance with a flag The sun has a face, as did
the national flag until 1962

198

Bhutan Asia

Ratio: 2:3 Adopted: c. 1965 Usage: National and Civil The “Thunder
Dragon”
Saffron yellow White represents
denotes the purity and loyalty
authority of
the King

Orange represents the Drukpa
monasteries and religious practices

Asia China Bhutan is a Buddhist state where power is shared
BHUTAN by the king and government. The country’s name in
Nepal Myanmar the local dialect means “Land of the Dragon.”
India

In Bhutan, thunder is believed to be TEMPORAL AND SPIRITUAL POWER
the voices of dragons roaring. In
about 1200, a monastery was set up The two colors of the flag, divided
called the Druk (the “Thunder diagonally, represent spiritual and
Dragon”), with a sect called the temporal power within Bhutan.
Drukpas named after it. The name The orange part of the flag
and the emblem of the dragon have represents the Drukpa monasteries
been associated with Bhutan ever and Buddhist religious practice,
since. The dragon on the flag is while the saffron yellow field
white to symbolize purity. denotes the secular authority of the
royal dynasty of the Wangchuks.

EMBLEM OF BHUTAN The snarling mouth
expresses the strength
The dragon symbolizes of the male and female
Druk, the Tibetan deities protecting the
country
name for the Kingdom
of Bhutan Jewels clasped in
the dragon’s claws
symbolize wealth

199

Asia White symbolizes
peace and truth
India

Ratio: 2:3 Adopted: July 22, 1947 Usage: National
Orange represents

courage and sacrifice

Green symbolizes
faith and chivalry

The Chakra, or
Buddhist spinning wheel

.EPAL #HINA Under British rule from 1763, the Indian
"HUTAN subcontinent divided into Pakistan and India in
1947 upon independence.

The national flag, adopted in 1947, THE CHAKRA
is based on the flag of the Indian
National Congress which was The central motif is a Chakra, or
established in 1885 to press for Buddhist spinning wheel. The 24
independence. The flag’s orange spokes of the wheel correspond with
color symbolizes courage and the 24 hours of the day, implying
sacrifice, white stands for peace and that there is life in movement and
truth, green is for faith and chivalry, death in stagnation.
and blue represents the color of the
sky and the ocean. The naval ensign is adapted from
British practice. The gold National
Emblem was added in 2004.

INDIAN NAVAL ENSIGN

The national flag is
placed in the canton

The gold National The design
Emblem of India derives from
British naval
appears in the center practice

200

Asia

Maldives

Ratio: 2:3 Adopted: July 26, 1965 Usage: National and Civil

The panel of Islamic Red was the
green symbolizes original color of the
Maldives flag
peace and prosperity

The crescent
represents Islam

Asia

)NDIA The archipelago of small islands that forms the
Maldives was once a British Protectorate. The
-!,$)6%3 Maldives became fully independent in 1965.
3RI

Asia

Sri Lanka

Ratio: 1:2 Adopted: December 17, 1978 Usage: National and Civil

Green The four
represents pipul leaves
Muslims are Buddhist
symbols
Orange
represents

Hindus

The sword is a
symbol of authority

Asia

)NDIA The island of Ceylon was a British colony
until independence in 1948. It became a republic
32)

Bangladesh Asia

Ratio: 3:5 Adopted: January 25, 1972 Usage: National The red disc
symbolizes the
Green represents struggle for
the land independence

The red circle is set
slightly toward the hoist

Asia

BANGLADESH Bangladesh was formerly the eastern province of
Pakistan. After a civil war with Pakistan, it became
India Myanmar a separate country in 1971.

The flag was originally adopted in ARMS OF BANGLADESH
March 1971, when the country
gained independence, at which time The coat of arms was adopted in
it had a yellow silhouette map of the 1972 and consists of the national
country in the red disc. This flag flower, a water lily, known locally
was used throughout the struggle as the shapla, growing from stylized
for independence, but when the waves. Around it are ears of rice,
state was formally established in and above is a sprig of jute, with
1971 the outline map was omitted four golden stars. The arms appears
from the new national flag. in the center of the President’s flag,
set on a deep purple field.

THE PRESIDENT’S FLAG

Wreath of rice A sprig of jute, with four
golden stars representing
A shapla (winter lily) nationalism, socialism,
on stylized waves democracy, and
secularism
The name of the
state in Bangla 203

Asia

Myanmar (Burma)

Ratio: 2:3 Adopted: January 4, 1974 Usage: National and Civil

The new Red symbolizes
socialist-style courage
emblem was
added in 1974 Blue represents
peace

White
represents purity

India MYANMAR In 1886, Myanmar became a province of British
Thailand India. It separated from India in 1937, and gained
independence from British colonial control in 1948.

The flag originated in the Burman peoples. Red stands for the courage
Resistance, which adopted a red flag of the people, blue is for peace, and
with a white star when fighting the white is for purity.
occupying Japanese forces during
World War II. At independence, the The emblem was changed in
star was modified to a blue canton 1974 to represent the new socialist
with five small stars surrounding ideology in the country. The five
one large one, symbolizing the stars were changed to 14, encircling
uniting of the country’s diverse a cog-wheel, for industry and a rice
plant for agriculture.

EMBLEM OF MYANMAR 14 stars represent the
unity and equality
On the new socialist between the 14 member
emblem, the rice states of the Union

stands for agriculture,
while the cog-wheel
represents industry

204

Asia

Thailand

Ratio: 2:3 Adopted: September 28, 1917 Usage: National and Civil

The blue and white Blue represents
stripes were added the monarchy
during World War I

Red symbolizes
life-blood

White stands for the purity
of the Buddhist faith

Asia

Myanmar Laos Formerly known as the Kingdom of Siam,
Thailand is the only Southeast Asian nation
India THAILAND never to have been colonized.

Cambodia

Thailand is also known as the added to the middle of the flag in
“Land of the White Elephant,” order to express solidarity with the
and this emblem appeared on its Allies, whose flags were mostly red,
plain red flag in the 19th century. white and blue. This flag is known
During World War I, horizontal as the Trairanga (tricolor).
white stripes were added above and
below the elephant. The Royal Arms of Thailand
was introduced in 1910. The arms
In 1917 the elephant was feature the garuda, a bird-man in
abandoned, and a blue stripe was Hindu mythology.

ARMS OF THAILAND The red garuda is placed
on a field of royal yellow
The garuda of Hindu for the Royal Standard
mythology is the enemy of

all things poisonous

205

Asia

Laos

Ratio: 2:3 Adopted: December 2, 1975 Usage: National and Civil

Blue represents The white disc
wealth symbolizes unity
under communism
Red symbolizes the
blood shed during the

struggle for freedom

The white disc on a blue stripe represents
the full moon over the Mekong River

Asia

Myanmar China A French protectorate from the end of the 19th
LAOS century, Laos gained full independence in 1953.
Vietnam It has been under communist rule since 1975.
Thailand Cambodia

The national flag of Laos was at the top and bottom. From
adopted in 1975, when the country 1973–1975, the Pathet Lao formed
became a people’s republic. It is one part of the government coalition,
of the few communist flags that before assuming power directly
does not use the five-pointed star as and prompting the abdication of
an emblem. This flag replaced the the king. Their flag was then adopted
original flag of Laos, which was as the national flag.
red, with a triple-headed white
elephant on a pedestal beneath a In the center is a white disc
parasol. This expressed the ancient symbolizing the unity of the people
name of the country, “Land of a under the leadership of the Lao
Million Elephants,” and dated from People’s Revolutionary Party and
the 19th century. the country’s bright future. The red
stripes stand for the blood shed by
A FLAG FOR THE REPUBLIC the people in their struggle for
freedom, and the blue symbolizes
From 1953 onward, the royal their prosperity.
government waged war with the
Pathet Lao, whose flag was blue The white disc on a blue
with a white disc and red borders background is also said to represent a
full moon against the Mekong River.

206

Asia

Cambodia

Ratio: 2:3 Adopted: June 29, 1993 Usage: National and Civil

Red and blue are
traditional colors

The famous temple
of Angkor Wat
has appeared in
various forms on
Cambodia’s flag

Asia

4HAILAND ,AOS Cambodia was a French Protectorate until 1949
when it became nominally independent once more.
#!-"/$)! Full independence was achieved in 1953.

6IETNAM

The flag used today is the same as built by the Mahidharapura
that established in 1948, although monarchs. It has five towers, but
since then five other designs have these were not always all depicted in
been employed. These have almost the stylized version used on flags.
all made use of the image of the The temple also appears on the arms.
temple of Angkor Wat in one form The monarchy was restored in
or another. This famous temple site, September 1993, the 1948 flag having
dates from the 12th century, was been re-adopted in June of that year.

ARMS OF CAMBODIA Angkor Wat is a
symbol of the nation
The glowing sun and its greatness
represents national rebirth

The inscription is the
name of the country

207

Asia

Vietnam

Ratio: 2:3 Adopted: November 30, 1955 Usage: National and Civil

The gold five-pointed Red symbolizes
star is for the unity of revolution and
five groups of workers bloodshed
in building socialism

In 1954 Vietnam was divided into north and
south. In 1976, the north finally achieved its aim
of reunification under communism.

Vietnam’s national flag was adopted pointed yellow star represents
in 1976 at the end of the Vietnam the unity of workers, peasants,
War when North and South intellectuals, youths, and soldiers
Vietnam were reunited under the in the building of socialism.
new name of the Socialist Republic
of Vietnam. This flag had been used ARMS OF VIETNAM
by communist North Vietnam since
1955, a year after partition. The national coat of arms, which
was also re-adopted in 1976, had
It is basically the same as the been used by North Vietnam since
flag used by the national resistance 1956. It depicts a cog-wheel,
movement, the Vietminh, led by Ho symbolic of industry, and the yellow
Chi Minh, in its struggle against the five-pointed star of socialism,
occupying Japanese forces during enclosed by a garland of rice—the
World War II. country’s main agricultural product.
The name of the country is
SYMBOLISM OF THE COLORS inscribed on a scroll at the base of
the emblem. The symbols on both
The red color of the field stands for the arms and the flag were inspired
the revolution and for the blood shed by the Chinese flag.
by the Vietnamese people. The five-

208

Asia

Malaysia

Ratio: 1:2 Adopted: September 16, 1963 Usage: National and Civil

The crescent The 14 red
and star of and white
Islam stripes for the
14 states of
the Federation

The blue canton represents unity
of the Malaysian people

Asia

4HAILAND Malaya became independent of Britain in 1957.
In 1963, the Federation of Malaysia was formed,
"RUNEI although Singapore seceded in 1965.

- ! , !9 3 ) !

)NDONESIA

The first flag of independent Malaya seceded in 1965, the flag remained
was based on the Stars and Stripes unaltered. The fourteenth stripe is
of the United States of America, now said to stand for the federal
combined with Islamic symbolism. district of Kuala Lumpur.
It had 11 red and white stripes and
a blue canton, like the US flag, with THE SYMBOLISM OF THE COLORS
a gold crescent and an eleven-pointed
star, traditionally associated with The blue canton represents the unity
Islam. Both the number of stripes of the Malaysian people. The crescent
and points on the star denoted the is for Islam, the dominant religion.
11 states of the Federation. The 14 points of the star are for unity
among the states of the country.
THREE NEW STATES Yellow is the traditional color of the
rulers of the Malay states. Red and
In 1963 three new states—Singapore, white are also traditional colors in
Sabah and Sarawak—joined the Southeast Asia.
Federation to form Malaysia. To
reflect this the flag was amended to The national motto appears on a
14 red and white stripes representing scroll in the coat of arms. It is
the 14 states. When Singapore repeated in both Jawi and Roman
script and means “Unity is Strength.”

209

Asia

Malaysia: State flags

The flags of the Malaysian states were mostly derived from those of the 19th century,
and were originally flags of the princes or sultans.

OHORE KEDAH

The blue field represents the Red is the traditional color of Kedah.
government. The red canton is for The sheaves of yellow padi, or rice, are
the “Hulubalang” warrior caste, who or prosperity. The green crescent
defend the state. The crescent and ignifies Islam and the yellow shield is
star represent the ruler. or sovereignty.

KELENTAN KUALA LUMPUR

The red field is symbolic of the Blue is for the unity of the population
loyalty and sincerity of the people, f Kuala Lumpur; red for courage
while the white emblem represents nd vigor; white is for purity,
the ruler. Kelentan has 36 royal and leanliness and beauty; yellow for
official flags. overeignty and prosperity.

LABUAN MELAKA

The colors are those of the national The colors and pattern are taken from
flag and they have the same he national flag. Unlike the Malaysian
symbolism; white recalls the purity ag, the flag of Melaka only has one
of Buddhism and red represents the tripe of red and one of white and a
life-blood of the people. ve-pointed star.

NEGERI SEMBILAN PAHANG

This flag reflects the hierarchy of White is for the ruler, because it can
power in Malaysia. The yellow field hange to any other color, reflecting how
symbolizes the ruler, the black ruler can be influenced by popular
triangle, the district rulers and the pinion. Black represents the people,
red triangle, the people. tanding firm.

210

Asia

PERAK PERLIS

The three stripes represent different levels Yellow represents the ruler and blue
of the royal family. The Sultan is evoked epresents the people. The colors are
by white, the Raja Muda by yellow and the rranged as two equal horizontal stripes to
Raja di-Hilir by black. The latter two are gnify the close cooperation that should
junior members of the ruling family. xist between the ruler and his subjects.

PINANG SABAH

Light blue represents the blue seas around The zircon blue (top stripe) is for
the island of Pinang. White is for the peace ranquillity, white for purity and justice,
and serenity of the state and yellow for its ed for courage, ice-blue (canton) for unity
prosperity. The tree is the Pinang palm, nd prosperity, and royal blue for strength.
after which the state is named. The mountain is Kinabalu.

SARAWAK SELANGOR

Yellow is the traditional color of Borneo, The yellow and red quarters are symbolic
where the state lies. Red and black are f flesh and blood, the combination
from the flag of the former Raja of ecessary for life. The crescent and star in
Sarawak. The star has nine points for the he canton represent Islam, the dominant
nine districts of the state. eligion of the state.

TERENGGANU

The white background stands for the
Sultan. It envelopes the black field,
symbolizing the people. This reflects
how the Sultan provides protection
around his subjects.

211

Asia

Indonesia

Ratio: 2:3 Adopted: August 17, 1945 Usage: National and Civil

The flag is based Red represents
on the banner of the body
the 13th-century
Indonesian Empire

White symbolizes
the soul

A former Dutch colony, Indonesia gained
independence in 1949. Western New Guinea
(Irian Jaya) was ceded to Indonesia in 1963.

The flag is based on the banner as the national flag of the republic in
of the 13th-century Empire of 1945 when the country declared its
Majahapit, red and white being the independence. The red stripe is
holy colors of Indonesia at that time. symbolic of physical life, while white
These colors were revived in the represents spiritual life. Together
20th century as an expression of they stand for the complete human
nationalism against the Dutch. being, body and soul. Red and white
The first red and white flag flew are also traditional colors of the
in Java in 1928 and was adopted Southeast Asian nations.

ARMS OF INDONESIA The shield depicts a buffalo
head, a banyan tree, and
The arms show a shield sheaves of rice and cotton
supported by a mythical
The yellow star represents
bird, the garuda. The religious belief
17 wing-feathers and 8
tail-feathers refer to the day The national motto means
and month (August 17) on “Unity in Diversity”
which independence was

declared in 1945

212

Asia

East Timor

Ratio: 2:3 Adopted: May 20, 2002 Usage: National and Civil

Black represents the Red stands for the
oppression of the past struggle for national
liberation
The white star
symbolizes hope

Yellow represents the
wealth of the country

East Timor voted for independence from
Indonesia in 1999. A UN administration was in place
until official independence on May 20, 2002.

At midnight on May 19, 2002, the SYMBOLISM OF THE FLAG
UN flag was removed from outside
the government offices in Dili, the The black triangle represents the
capital. The new country, now darkness of four centuries of colonial
officially recognized as a national oppression under the Portuguese.
state, has its own parliament, its own The golden-yellow arrowhead recalls
president, and its own flag. the long struggle for independence,
as well as the hope of the country’s
NEW STATE, OLD FLAG future prosperity. The red field
reflects the blood shed by the
The flag illustrated above is actually Timorese people on their journey
the flag designed by the Fretilin toward autonomy—a symbol which
party for the “Democratic Republic has taken on greater poignancy since
of Timor” in 1975, following the the referendum for independence and
transition from Portuguese colony to the massacre of thousands of East
independence. However, the infant Timorese by pro-Indonesian militias
nation’s subsequent invasion and in 1999. The white of the star
occupation by Indonesia led to the symbolizes peace, while the star itself
adoption of that country’s flag for the represents the guiding light which
last quarter of the twentieth century. gives hope for the future.

213

Asia

Singapore

Ratio: 2:3 Adopted: December 3, 1959 Usage: National and Civil

The crescent is for Red stands for
the new nation universal brotherhood
and equality
The five stars
symbolize ideals of

democracy, peace,
progress, justice, and

equality

White represents the purity and
virtue of the Singaporean people

Asia Granted self-government by Britain in 1959,
Singapore became part of the Federation of
-ALAYSIA Malaysia in 1963, and fully independent in 1965.

3).'!0/2%

The flag dates from when Singapore brotherhood and equality, while
became a self-governing British white symbolizes purity and virtue.
colony in 1959. It was preserved The white crescent signifies the
when Singapore joined the new nation of Singapore, while the
Malaysian Federation and adopted five stars next to it represent the
as the national flag when Singapore ideals of democracy, peace,
became fully independent in 1965. progress, justice and equality.

The colors of red and white are The President’s flag is a plain
those of the Malay people. Red is red field with the crescent and star
supposed to represent universal emblem in the center.

THE PRESIDENT’S FLAG

The President’s flag Red and white represents
simply enlarges and the Malay people
centers the crescent and
stars motif from the

national flag

Asia

Brunei

Ratio: 1:2 Adopted: September 29, 1959 Usage: National and Civil

The national Black and
emblem was white stripes
placed in the
center in 1959 represent
Brunei’s chief

ministers

Yellow represents the
Sultan of Brunei

Asia

"25.%) Brunei became a British Protectorate in 1888. It
gained full independence in 1984, and is now an
-ALAYSIA )NDONESIA absolute monarchy under its Sultan.

A similar version of this flag, without THE NATIONAL ARMS
the coat of arms, was first used in
1906. The flag’s main color, yellow, The coat of arms bears testament to
is associated with the Sultan, while Brunei’s Muslim traditions with the
the black and white stripes that cut crescent, a traditional symbol of
across it are the colors of the Brunei’s Islam, at its center. The Arabic motto
two chief ministers. The coat of on the crescent translates as, “Always
arms in the center of the flag was render service by God’s guidance”;
added in 1959. below it, a scroll bears the inscription
“Brunei Darussalam” (City of Peace).

ARMS OF BRUNEI The flag and umbrella
are symbols of royalty
The central mast is a
symbol of the state The upturned hands
signify the benevolence
The crescent is symbolic of the government
of the Islamic faith
The inscription is the
country’s official title
“Brunei Darussalam”

215

Asia Blue represents
patriotism
Philippines
Red
Ratio: 1:2 Adopted: May 19, 1898 Usage: National and Civil symbolizes
bravery
The white
triangle

symbolizes
purity and

peace

The sun and stars represent the three main areas of
the country—Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao

4AIWAN The Philippines was a Spanish colony until
1898, when it was ceded to the United States of
America. It gained its independence in 1946.

The flag was first used by Filipino The sun and stars are Masonic in
nationalists in exile while the origin. The eight rays of the sun are
Spanish still controlled the islands. for the eight provinces that revolted
When they were ceded to the USA, against the Spanish. The three stars
the Philippines became far more represent the country’s three main
autonomous, and the flag was flown geographical areas. White stands for
freely from 1898. It was banned by purity and peace; red for bravery and
the Americans from 1907–1919, and blue for patriotism. When used at
the Stars and Stripes was flown war, the red stripe is flown at the top
exclusively on the islands. of the flag, representing courage.

THE PRESIDENT’S
FLAG

The sun is The three stars and a golden
taken from the sealion were adapted from
the arms of Manila
national flag
A ring of 52 white
stars of Manila

216

Taiwan Asia

Ratio: 2:3 Adopted: October 28, 1928 Usage: National The flag is said to
represent “a white
A blue flag with a
white sun was the sun in a blue sky
party flag of the over red land”
Kuomingtang.
Each ray represents
two hours of a day

Red recalls the Han Chinese,
the dominant ethnicity in China

Asia

#HINA Taiwan was formerly part of China. It became a
4!)7!. separate state in 1949 under the Nationalist Party,
which was expelled from government in Beijing.

The flag adopted for Taiwan or unending progress, each ray
Formosa, as it was known, had been represents two hours of the day.
the national flag of China. It was
used from 1928–1949 when the THE TAIPEI OLYMPIC FLAG
Kuomingtang, the Chinese
Nationalist Party was in power. This flag was adopted by Taiwan
specifically for use at the Olympic
The red field represents China, Games, where its national flag was
the blue canton and white sun was not accepted. It combines red, white,
the party flag of the Kuomingtang. and blue; the national colors of
The 12 rays of sunshine symbolize Taiwan and the Olympic emblem.

THE TAIPEI OLYMPIC FLAG Blue, red, and white
are the national colors
The sun symbol is taken
from the national flag The emblem of connected
rings shows that it is an
Olympic flag

217

Asia

China

Ratio: 2:3 Adopted: October 1, 1949 Usage: National and Civil

The large The red field
star represents symbolizes communist
revolution and is also
communism the traditional color of
the Chinese people
The four smaller
stars represent the
social classes of the

Chinese people

The use of five stars reflects the importance
of the number five in Chinese philosophy

Asia China has the world’s oldest continuous
civilization. The communist Chinese People’s
2USS

Asia

North Korea

Ratio: 1:2 Adopted: September 9, 1948 Usage: National and Civil

Two blue The white
stripes stripes
stand for symbolize
sovereignty, purity
peace and
friendship Red represents
communist
revolution

The star is a symbol
of communism

Asia

#HINA 2USS

Asia

South Korea

Ratio: 2:3 Adopted: September 8, 1948 Usage: National and Civil

Three unbroken bars This trigram
symbolize heaven represents water

White is the Three broken bars
traditional color of the symbolize earth

Korean people

This trigram Yin-yang symbol signifies harmony
represents fire and the union of opposites

3/54(

Asia

Japan

Ratio: 7:10 Adopted: January 27, 1870 Usage: National and Civil

The sun symbol has The red disc is named
been an element Hinomaru or disc of
in Japan’s flags for the Lucky Sun
thousands of years

The white field expresses
honesty and purity

Asia Isolated from the world for centuries, Japan began to
*!0!. modernize in the 19th century. After defeat in World
.ORTH
+OREA War II, it became a democracy.

Japan is known as “The Land of the THE HINOMARU
Rising Sun.” The Emperor of Japan
and his predecessors descend from The Lucky Sun or Hinomaru,
the House of Yamato, which united in the center of the flag, has been
the country in ad 200 and they an imperial badge since the 14th
claim to be direct descendants of century. The white field stands
the sun goddess, Amaterasu for purity and integrity, and some
Omikami. suggest the red disc represents
brightness, sincerity and warmth.
The current flag was officially The Japanese Maritime SDF
established as the national flag ensign is an unusual adaptation
of Japan in 1870. of the national flag.

JAPANESE MARITIME
SDF ENSIGN

Adopted in 1889, the Rays extend to the edge
naval ensign consists of of the flag to recall the
rising sun
the sun-disc with red
rays extending to the

border of the flag

221

Australasia and Oceania The stars of
the Southern
Australia Cross

Ratio: 2:1 Adopted: May 29, 1909 Usage: National and Civil

The Union
Jack is retained

in the canton

The points of the “Commonwealth Star”
represent the members of the Federation

Australasia and Oceania The great southern continent of Australia was
unified in 1901, as a commonwealth of six formerly
0APUA

Australasia and Oceania

State flags

The state flags all use the British Blue Ensign, with the state badge in the canton.
The two territories do not follow this pattern.

AUSTRALIAN NEW SOUTH
CAPITAL WALES
TERRITORY
A gold star adorns each arm of the
The capital territory became self- t. George’s Cross, with a golden lion
governing in 1989. The flag, adopted in assant guardant at the center. This more
1993, depicts Canberra’s city coat of arms istinctive badge replaced a previous
and the Southern Cross in the city colors of esign in 1876.
blue and gold.

NORTHERN QUEENSLAND
TERRITORY

Adopted by the territory in 1978, the flag The state badge depicts the Royal Crown at
depicts the Southern Cross and a stylized he center of a Maltese cross. The design of
Sturt’s desert rose against black and ocher, he crown was altered at the coronation of
which are the territorial colors. HM Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA TASMANIA

The state emblem of the piping shrike(a The Red Lion passant on a white
magpie) is shown with outstretched wings ackground recalls historical ties with
on a yellow background. The piping shrike ngland and has remained essentially
was adopted as the flag badge in 1904. nchanged since its adoption in 1875.

VICTORIA WESTERN
AUSTRALIA

The Royal Crown was added in 1877. The The Black Swan has been Western
present arrangement, with the crown Australia’s emblem since the first British
surmounting the Southern Cross, became olony was founded at Swan River. The
the state arms in 1910.
ag was adopted in 1953.

223

Australasia and Oceania

Vanuatu

Ratio: 11:18 Adopted: February 18, 1980 Usage: National and Civil

The boar’s tusk Red is symbolic
symbolizes of blood
prosperity
The yellow Y-shape
The fern leaves depicts the outline
represent peaceful of the Vanuatu
archipelago and the
intentions color of sunshine

Green recalls the richness
of the islands

Australasia and Oceania Vanuatu, formerly known as the New Hebrides,
6!.5!45 was jointly administered by Britain and France
from 1906. In 1980, it gained its independence.
.EW

Australasia and Oceania

Fiji The design is
based on
Ratio: 1:2 Adopted: October 10, 1970 Usage: National and Civil
the British
The Union Blue Ensign
Jack denotes
the historical

links with
Great Britain

The blue field represents
the Pacific Ocean

Fiji became part of the British Empire in 1874, and
an independent nation with dominion status
within the Commonwealth in 1970.

The flag was adopted in 1970, when ARMS OF FIJI
Fiji achieved independence. Its bright
blue background symbolizes the The shield is derived from the
Pacific Ocean, which plays an country’s official coat of arms, which
important part in the lives of the was originally granted by Royal
islanders, both in terms of the fishing Warrant in 1908. The images
industry, and the burgeoning tourist depicted on the shield represent
trade. The Union Jack reflects the agricultural activities on the islands,
country’s links with Great Britain. and the historical associations with
Great Britain.

ARMS OF FIJI On the chief, a British
lion holds a coconut
The first quarter shows between its paws
sugar cane, the second a
coconut palm, the third The coat of arms was granted
a dove of peace, and the in 1908. It is a white shield,
fourth a bunch of bananas with a red cross and a red chief
(the upper third of a shield)

225

Australasia and Oceania

Papua New Guinea

Ratio: 3:4 Adopted: June 24, 1971 Usage: National and Civil

The five stars represent Red and black are the
the Southern Cross, predominant colors in
the native art of Papua
but also refer to a local
legend about five sisters New Guinea

A golden bird
of paradise

Australasia and Oceania Papua New Guinea gained full independence
in 1975, following its status as a United Nations
)NDONESIA Trusteeship under Australian administration.

0!05!

The Australian administration THE COLORS OF NATIVE ART
attempted to introduce Papua New
Guinea’s first official national flag in The colors of the field—red and
1970. Its choice was a vertically black—were chosen because of their
divided flag: blue at the hoist, with widespread use in the native art of
the stars of the Southern Cross as in the country. The bird of paradise has
the Australian flag, then white, then long been a local emblem, and its
green, with a golden bird of feathers are used for traditional dress
paradise. The proposed design was and in festivals and ceremonies.
never popular with the local people.
THE SOUTHERN CROSS
A LOCAL DESIGN
The flag is halved diagonally. The
The current flag of yellow and white lower half features the Southern
on black and red was designed by Cross constellation in white on
a 15-year-old art student, Susan black, as it would appear in the night
Karike, and officially accepted in sky, over Papua New Guinea. This
1971. When Papua New Guinea signifies the link with Australia and
became independent in 1975, it also recalls a local legend about five
was retained as the national flag. sisters. The red upper half bears a
golden bird of paradise in flight.

226

Australasia and Oceania

Solomon Islands

Ratio: 5:9 Adopted: November 18, 1977 Usage: National and Civil

The five Green
stars represent represents
the five the land
main groups
of islands

The yellow stripe
symbolizes sunshine

Australasia and Oceania The Solomon Islands were a British colony
.AURU from 1883, until they became self-governing in 1976,
and subsequently independent in 1978.
3/,/-/.

Before the current flag was adopted water and the land. The five stars
in 1977, three different coats of were initially incorporated to
arms had represented the islands. represent the country’s five districts.
The islands were later divided into
The national flag, adopted in seven districts and the symbolism of
1977, is divided diagonally by a the stars was modified to refer to
stripe of yellow representing the the five main groups of islands.
sunshine of the islands. The two
triangles formed by the diagonal The coat of arms is also in the
stripe are blue and green, signifying colors of the national flag.

ARMS OF THE A shark
SOLOMON ISLANDS
The shield depicts frigate
The crest is a traditional canoe birds, an eagle, two turtles,
(in section) and a shining sun a shield and bow and arrow,
all representing districts of the
A freshwater crocodile Solomon Islands

The national motto – The compartment is a
“To lead is to serve” stylized frigate bird

227

Australasia and Oceania

Palau

Ratio: 5:8 Adopted: January 1, 1981 Usage: National and Civil

The golden disc Blue symbolizes the
depicts the full freedom of self-rule
moon, considered
by Palauans to be
the best time for
celebrations and

harvesting

The full moon is set
slightly toward the hoist

Under US control since 1945, Palau became a
republic in 1981. In 1994, it became independent
in association with the United States.

The current flag was introduced in sits slightly off center toward the
1981 when Palau became a republic. hoist, represents the full moon. The
Previously, the flag of the Trust Palauans consider the full moon to be
Territory of the Pacific Islands was the optimum time for human activity.
flown jointly with the United This time of the month when
Nations and United States flags. celebrations, harvesting and planting,
fishing, tree-felling, and the carving
THE SYMBOLISM OF THE FLAG of traditional canoes are carried out.
The moon is a symbol of peace, love
The flag’s very simple design belies and tranquility.
the depth of meaning attributed to it.
The explanation for the choice of THE SEAL OF PALAU
colors is rooted in the history and
customs of the Palauan people. Palau does not have a coat of arms,
The bright blue of the field, which but has a seal, adopted in 1981, when
might be assumed to be symbolic the country became a republic. The
of the Pacific Ocean, is in fact a seal is not colored. It depicts a
representation of the transition traditional Palauan triangular hut,
from foreign domination to self- above the date of adoption. This is
government. The golden disc, which surrounded by the title of the state.

228

Australasia and Oceania

Micronesia

Ratio: 10:19 Adopted: November 30, 1978 Usage: National and Civil

The light blue The colors are
field recalls the similar to those
Pacific Ocean
of the un flag

The four stars each
represent an island group

Micronesia was part of the US-administered
United Nations Trust Territory of the Pacific
Islands, until it became independent in 1979.

The flag, adopted in 1978, is in the In an echo of US practice, the stars
colors of the un flag. The light blue are for the four islands, arranged
also represents the Pacific Ocean. like the points of the compass.

Micronesian States

CHUUK KOSRAE

The white coconut palm shows that the people The olive branches symbolize peace. The four
depend on coconut resources. The white stars tars are for the islands’ four units. The fafa stone
represent the 38 municipal units in the territory.
traditionally used for grinding food.

POHNPEI YAP

The eleven stars are for the district’s eleven The outer and inner rings show a rai, a traditional
municipalities. The half coconut shell represents ymbol of unity. The white outrigger canoe
the sakau cup used in traditional ceremonies. ymbolizes the desire to reach state goals.

229

Australasia and Oceania

Marshall Islands The two
stripes, orange
Ratio: 10:19 Adopted: May 1, 1979 Usage: National and Civil
over white,
A 24-pointed represent the
star, one for each two parallel

of the districts chains of
on the islands the Marshall

Islands

Blue field for the
Pacific Ocean

Australasia and Oceania The Marshall Islands were part of the US Trust
.ORTHERN Territory of the Pacific Islands from 1945–1986.
-ARIANAS -!23(!,, They became fully independent in 1990.

)S

The Marshall Islands became a self- further than the others and stand
governing territory on May 1, 1979, for the capital, Majuro, and the
and on that day a new national flag administrative districts of Wotji,
was adopted. Designed by Emlain Yaluit, and Kwajalein. They also
Kabua, wife of the president of form a cross, signifying the Christian
the new government, it was the faith of the Marshallese.
winning entry in a competition
that had attracted 50 designs. SYMBOLS OF PROSPERITY

A FLAG FOR A PACIFIC ISLAND The two parallel stripes extending
across the flag symbolize the two
The flag’s dark blue field represents parallel chains of the Marshall Islands:
the vast area of the Pacific Ocean the Ratak (Sunrise) Chain is white,
over which the islands are scattered. the Ralik (Sunset) Chain is orange.
The star symbolizes the geographical The stripes extend and widen
position of the islands, which lie a upward. This is said to signify the
few degrees above the Equator. The increase in growth and vitality of life
star has 24 points, representing the on the islands. Orange also
24 municipalities of the Marshall symbolizes courage and prosperity,
Islands. Four of its rays extend while white represents peace.

230

Australasia and Oceania

Nauru

Ratio: 1:2 Adopted: January 31, 1968 Usage: National and Civil

The blue field The gold stripe
represents the represents the
island’s blue Equator
skies and the
Pacific Ocean

The 12-pointed star recalls the
12 original tribes of Nauru

Australasia and Oceania Nauru was jointly administered by Australia,
-ICRONESIA the UK and New Zealand from 1947 until
independence was granted in 1968.
.!525 +IRIBATI

The flag, chosen in a local design point represents one of the 12
competition, was adopted on the day indigenous tribes on the island.
of independence. It depicts Nauru’s
geographical position, one degree ARMS OF NAURU
below the Equator. A gold horizontal
stripe representing the Equator runs This is also a local design and
across a blue field for the Pacific includes the chemical symbol for
Ocean. Nauru itself is symbolized by phosphorus; phosphates are Nauru’s
a white twelve-pointed star. Each main export. Beneath it are a frigate
bird and a sprig of tomano.

ARMS OF NAURU The 12-pointed star,
as featured on the flag,
The shield is representing the 12
surrounded by coconut tribes of Nauru
leaves for phosphorus
The feathers of
The chemical symbol a frigate bird
for phosphorus
A sprig of tomano
A frigate bird

231

Australasia and Oceania

Kiribati The frigate
bird symbolizes
Ratio: 1:2 Adopted: July 12, 1979 Usage: National and Civil command of the sea

The red shield in
the coat of arms
also depicts a
gold flying frigate
bird above a
rising golden sun

The blue and white wavy bands
represent the Pacific Ocean

Australasia and Oceania Once part of the British colony of the Gilbert and
-ARSHALL

Australasia and Oceania

Tuvalu The nine stars
are for the nine
Ratio: 1:2 Adopted: October 1, 1978 Usage: National and Civil islands

The Union
Jack signifies
continuing links
with Britain

Australasia and Oceania The Ellice Islands separated from the Gilbert and
Ellice Islands in 1975, and adopted the name
+IRIBATI Tuvalu. Independence was gained in 1978.

456!,5
3OLOMON

Australasia and Oceania Red is a
traditional
Samoa Samoan color
and symbolizes
Ratio: 1:2 Adopted: January 1, 1962 Usage:National and Civil courage

The Southern
Cross

White
represents

purity

Blue represents
freedom

Australasia and Oceania

3!-/! Under the administration of Germany, the USA
and later New Zealand, Samoa became the first
7ALLIS

Australasia and Oceania

Tonga

Ratio: 1:2 Adopted: November 4, 1875 Usage: National and Civil

The red cross Red represents
represents the the blood Jesus
king’s devotion shed on the
to Christianity cross

White symbolizes
purity

Tonga was unified under King George Tupou I in
1820. In 1900, it became a British protectorate
before regaining its independence in 1970.

The flag dates from 1862 when the the International Red Cross flag,
king at the time, who had converted adopted in 1863, and so the white flag
to Christianity in 1831, called for a was placed in the canton of a red one.
national flag which would symbolize The cross and the red color signify the
the Christian faith. sacrifice of Christ’s blood. The 1875
constitution states that the flag shall
A NEW “CHRISTIAN” FLAG never be altered.

The first design was a plain white The naval ensign, introduced in
flag with a red couped cross, but this 1985, also has a red couped cross on
was later found to be too similar to white in the canton.

TONGAN NAVAL ENSIGN

Red couped cross A red, cotised
in the canton or bordered,
Scandinavian cross
The naval ensign,
introduced in 1985,

recalls the flag of
Imperial Germany

235

Australasia and Oceania Four white-
bordered red
New Zealand stars represent
the Southern
Ratio: 1:2 Adopted: June 12, 1902 Usage: National Cross

The Union
Jack in the
canton recalls
New Zealand’s
colonial ties
to Britain

The stars all vary
slightly in size

Australasia and Oceania New Zealand was settled by the British in the
1800s and was a colony from 1841. It became a
!USTRALIA dominion in 1907 and fully independent in 1947.
.%7

:%!,!.$

New Zealand’s first flag was A NEW NATIONAL FLAG
adopted before it became a British
colony. Chosen by an assembly of The current flag was designed and
Maori chiefs in 1834, the flag was of adopted for restricted use in 1869
a St. George’s Cross with another and became the national flag in
cross in the canton containing four 1902. It is the British Blue Ensign,
stars on a blue field. After the with a highly stylized representation
formation of the colony in 1841, of the Southern Cross constellation.
British ensigns began to be used. It depicts only four of the five stars
in the constellation.

Overseas Territories

COOK ISLANDS NIUE

The 15 stars on the fly represent the 15 The link with the UK is shown by the use
main islands of the group; they are of the Union Jack; that with New Zealand
arranged in a ring to indicate that each by the four stars. The large central star
island is of equal importance. represents Niue itself.

236

International flags

Many international organizations also adopt flags. Below is a selection of the most well-known.

ARAB LEAGUE ASSOCIATION
OF SOUTHEAST
ASIAN NATIONS

CARICOM THE
(Caribbean Community COMMO N W E A LT H
and Common Market)
EUROPEAN UNION
CIS
(Commonwealth of NATO
Independent States) (North Atlantic
Treaty Organization)
FIAV
(International Federation of ORDER OF ST JOHN
Vexillological Associations)

OLYMPIC MOVEMENT

RED CROSS OPEC
(Organization of
RED CRESCENT Petroleum-Exporting
Countries)
RED CRYSTAL AU
(African Union)
In 2006, the Red Crystal was adopted
for use with, or in place of, the Red Cross SECRETARIAT OF THE
or Red Crescent flags. It is non-religious- PACIFIC COMMUNITY
specific, but the cross and crescent may be
added in the center. UNITED NATIONS
(UN)

237

Signal flags

Code G Q0

1st Repeat H R 1

2nd Repeat I S 2

3rd Repeat J T3

A K U4

B L V5

C MW6

D NX7

E OY8

F P Z9

238

Index

Index British Antarctic Territory ❑ Estonia ❍ NE. Europe, 114
Ethiopia ❍ E. Africa, 64
KEY Antarctica, 129 Falkland Islands ❑
❍ Country British Indian Ocean Territory
❑ Overseas territory Atlantic Ocean, 129
❑ Indian Ocean, 129 Faeroe Islands ❑
Afghanistan ❍ C. Asia, 196 British Virgin Islands ❑
Åland Islands ❑ N. Europe, Atlantic Ocean, 111
W. Indies, 129 Fiji ❍ Pacific Ocean , 225
113 Brunei ❍ SE. Asia, 215 Finland ❍ N. Europe, 113
Albania ❍ SE. Europe, 160 Bulgaria ❍ SE. Europe, 162 France ❍ W. Europe, 131
Algeria ❍ N. Africa, 57 Burkina ❍ W. Africa, 84 French Polynesia ❑
American Samoa ❑ Burundi ❍ C. Africa, 69
Cambodia ❍ SE. Asia, 207 Pacific Ocean, 131
Pacific Ocean, 19 Cameroon ❍ C. Africa, 89 Gabon ❍ C. Africa, 92
Andorra ❍ SW. Europe, 134 Canada ❍ N. America, 8 Gambia ❍ W. Africa, 77
Angola ❍ S. Africa, 94 Georgia ❍ SW. Europe, 175
Anguilla ❑ W. Indies, 129 Provincial flags, 9–10 Germany ❍ N. Europe, 118
Antigua & Barbuda ❍ Cape Verde ❍
Länder flags, 119–120
W. Indies, 34 Atlantic Ocean, 78 Ghana ❍ W. Africa, 85
Argentina ❍ S. America, 55 Cayman Islands ❑ Gibraltar ❑ S. Europe, 130
Armenia ❍ SW. Europe, 173 Greece ❍ SE. Europe, 163
Aruba ❑ Pacific Ocean, 123 W. Indies, 129 Greenland ❑
Australia ❍ Pacific/Indian Central African Republic ❍
Atlantic Ocean, 111
Ocean, 222 C. Africa, 70 Grenada ❍ W. Indies, 39
State flags, 223 Chad ❍ C. Africa, 73 Guam ❑ Pacific Ocean, 19
Austria ❍ C. Europe, 149 Chile ❍ S. America, 51 Guatemala ❍ C. America, 21
State flags, 150 China ❍ E. Asia, 218 Guinea ❍ W. Africa, 80
Azerbaijan ❍ Colombia ❍ S. America, 41 Guinea-Bissau ❍
SW. Europe, 172 Comoros ❍
Bahamas ❍ W. Indies, 30 W. Africa, 79
Bahrain ❍ SW. Asia, 186 Indian Ocean, 106 Guyana ❍ S. America, 43
Bangladesh ❍ S. Asia, 203 Congo ❍ C. Africa, 93 Haiti ❍ W. Indies, 31
Barbados ❍ W. Indies, 38 Congo, Dem. Rep. ❍ Honduras ❍ C. America, 24
Belgium ❍
NW. Europe, 124 C. Africa, 71 Hong Kong (Xianggang),
Regional flags, 124 Cook Islands ❑
Belize ❍ C. America, 22 see China, 218
Belarus ❍ E. Europe, 166 Pacific Ocean, 236 Hungary ❍ C. Europe, 151
Benin ❍ W. Africa, 87 Corsica ❑ S. Europe, 131 Iceland ❍ NW. Europe, 109
Bermuda ❑ Costa Rica ❍ C. America, 26 India ❍ S. Asia, 200
Atlantic Ocean, 129 Croatia ❍ SE. Europe, 155 Indonesia ❍ SE. Asia, 212
Bhutan ❍ SE. Asia, 199 Cuba ❍ W. Indies, 29 Iran ❍ SW. Asia, 189
Bolivia ❍ S. America, 52 Cyprus ❍ SE. Europe, 178 Iraq ❍ SW. Asia, 188
Bosnia & Herzegovina ❍ Czech Republic ❍ Ireland ❍ NW. Europe, 125
SE. Europe, 156 Israel ❍ SW. Asia, 179
Botswana ❍ S. Africa, 101 C. Europe, 152 Italy ❍ S. Europe, 139
Brazil ❍ S. America, 47 Denmark ❍ N. Europe, 111 Ivory Coast ❍ W. Africa, 83
State flags, 48–50 Djibouti ❍ E. Africa, 63 Jamaica ❍ W. Indies, 28
Dominica ❍ W. Indies, 35 Japan ❍ E. Asia, 221
Dominican Republic ❍ Jordan ❍ SW. Asia, 180
Kazakhstan ❍ C. Asia, 192
W. Indies, 32 Kenya ❍ E. Africa, 67
East Timor ❍ SE. Asia, 213 Kiribati ❍ Pacific Ocean, 232
Ecuador ❍ S. America, 45 Kosovo ❍ C. Europe, 159
Egypt ❍ N. Africa, 60 Kuwait ❍ SW. Asia, 187
El Salvador ❍ C. America, 23
Equatorial Guinea ❍

C. Africa, 90
Eritrea ❍ E. Africa, 62

239

Kyrgyzstan ❍ C. Asia, 194 Nicaragua ❍ C. America, 25 St Helena ❑
Laos ❍ SE. Asia, 206 Niger ❍ W. Africa, 72
Latvia ❍ NE. Asia, 115 Nigeria ❍ W. Africa, 88 Pacific Ocean, 130
Lebanon ❍ SW. Asia, 176 North Korea ❍ E. Asia, 219 St Kitts & Nevis ❍
Lesotho ❍ S. Africa, 102 Northern Marianas Islands ❑
Liberia ❍ W. Africa, 82 W. Indies, 33
Libya ❍ N. Africa, 59 Pacific Ocean, 19 St Lucia ❍ W. Indies, 36
Liechtenstein ❍ Norway ❍ N. Europe, 110 St Vincent & the Grenadines ❍
Niue ❑ Pacific Ocean, 236
SE. Europe, 148 Oman ❍ SW. Asia, 183 W. Indies, 37
Lithuania ❍ NE. Europe, 116 Pakistan ❍ S. Asia, 197 Sudan ❍ E. Africa, 61
Luxembourg ❍ Palau ❍ Pacific Ocean, 228 Suriname ❍ S. America, 44
Panama ❍ C. America, 27 Swaziland ❍ S. Africa, 103
NE. Europe, 132 Papua New Guinea ❍ Sweden ❍ N. Europe, 112
Macedonia ❍ SE. Europe, 161 Switzerland ❍ C. Europe, 143
Macao, see China, 218 Indian/Pacific Ocean, 226
Madagascar ❍ Paraguay ❍ S. America, 53 Canton Flags, 144–147
Peru ❍ S. America, 46 Syria ❍ SW. Asia, 177
Indian Ocean, 107 Philippines ❍ SW. Asia, 216 Taiwan ❍ SE. Asia, 217
Malawi ❍ SE. Africa, 97 Pitcairn Islands ❑ Tajikistan ❍ C. Asia, 195
Malaysia ❍ SE. Asia, 209 Tanzania ❍ E. Africa, 96
Pacific Ocean, 130 Thailand ❍ SE. Asia, 205
State flags, 210–211 Poland ❍ N. Europe, 117 Togo ❍ W. Africa, 86
Maldives ❍ Portugal ❍ SW. Europe, 135 Tonga ❍ Pacific Ocean, 235
Puerto Rico ❑ W. Indies, 19 Trinidad & Tobago ❍
Indian Ocean, 201 Qatar ❍ SW. Asia, 185
Mali ❍ W. Africa, 75 Romania ❍ SE. Europe, 164 W. Indies, 40
Malta ❍ S. Europe, 140 Russian Federation ❍ Tunisia ❍ N. Africa, 58
Marshall Islands ❍ Turkey ❍ Asia/Europe, 174
Europe/Asia, 168 Turkmenistan ❍ C. Asia, 190
Pacific Ocean, 230 Turks and Caicos Islands ❑
Mauritania ❍ W. Africa, 74 Republic flags, 169–171
Mauritius ❍ Rwanda ❍ C. Africa, 68 Pacific Ocean, 130
Samoa ❍ Pacific Ocean, 234 Tuvalu ❍ Pacific Ocean, 233
Indian Ocean, 108 San Marino ❍ S. Europe, 142 Uganda ❍ E. Africa, 66
Mexico ❍ C. America, 20 Sao Tome & Principe ❍ Ukraine ❍ E. Europe, 167
Micronesia ❍ United Arab Emirates ❍
W. Africa, 91
Pacific Ocean, 229 Saudi Arabia ❍ SW. Asia, 181 SW. Asia, 184
Senegal ❍ W. Africa, 76 United Kingdom ❍
State flags, 229 Serbia ❍ C. Europe, 158
Moldova ❍ SE. Europe, 165 Seychelles ❍ NW. Europe, 126
Monaco ❍ S. Europe, 133
Mongolia ❍ E. Asia, 193 Indian Ocean, 105 Regional flags, 127–130
Monserrat ❑ W. Indies, 130 Sierra Leone ❍ W. Africa, 81 United States of America ❍
Montenegro ❍ C. Europe, 157 Singapore ❍ SE. Asia, 214
Morocco ❍ N. Africa, 56 Slovakia ❍ C. Europe, 153 N. America, 11
Mozambique ❍ S. Africa, 99 Slovenia ❍ C. Europe, 154 State flags, 13–19
Myanmar ❍ SE. Asia, 204 Soloman Islands ❍ Uruguay ❍ S. America, 54
Namibia ❍ S. Africa, 100 Uzbekistan ❍ C. Asia, 191
Nauru ❍ Pacific Ocean, 231 Pacific Ocean, 227 Vanuatu ❍ Pacific Ocean, 224
Nepal ❍ S. Asia, 198 Somalia ❍ E. Africa, 65 Vatican City ❍ S. Europe, 141
Netherlands ❍ South Africa ❍ S. Africa, 104 Venezuela ❍ S. America, 42
South Korea ❍ E. Asia, 220 Vietnam ❍ SE. Asia, 208
NW. Europe, 121 Spain ❍ Virgin Islands (US) ❑

Provincial flags, 122–123 SE. Europe, 136 W. Indies, 19
Netherlands Antilles ❑ Yemen ❍ SW. Asia, 182
Regional Flags, 137–138 Zambia ❍ S. Africa, 95
W. Indies, 123 Sri Lanka ❍ S. Asia, 202 Zimbabwe ❍ S. Africa, 98
New Zealand ❍

Pacific Ocean, 236

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EUROPE (see front endpaper for World Map)

3VALBARD
TO

'REENLAND THE CARIBBEAN
TO

sm ithsoni a n
h a ndbook s

Over 300 national, international, official, and provincial flags
from around the world, stunningly presented and fully explained

+
Detailed information on the historic and symbolic
significance and development of every national flag

+
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