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 + Includes flags of major international organizations Discover more at www.dk.com
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