You might think that there aren't many facts about flags, and that they are only used for identifying and representing a country. But that's not the case. The interesting facts hidden within flags aren't just about colors, shapes and patterns. Have you ever wondered why flags are actually made a certain way? Do you know what vexillology is? If you're interested and want to know more, read 12 surprising facts about world flags.
1. The atypical flag of Nepal
The flag of Nepal is truly unique. What makes it unique is the fact that, as the only flag in the world, it does not have a quadrilateral shape. The flag consists of two triangular shapes stacked on top of each other, forming the flag. Besides its remarkable shape, the flag also has symbolism in its colors. Its crimson red background represents bravery, and the blue border lining the flag symbolizes peace. Each triangle contains 2 symbols – the moon and the sun. This flag was officially created in 1962.
2. The oldest flag in the world
Countries have been using flags to represent themselves for many years, but they always change as countries develop. Denmark is, however, an exception. It has the oldest flag in the world, whose design was created in 1219. It was first officially used in 1625 and has continued to serve the country to this day. The flag has a red background with a single horizontal white stripe across the middle of the flag. In Denmark, the flag is also known as „Dannebrog“, which translates to „Danish cloth“.
3. The only flags with a square shape
There are only two flags in the world that have an unconventional square shape. One of them is the flag of Switzerland. It is often confused with the medical flag used by the Red Cross. Switzerland officially began using the flag with a red square and a white cross in the middle in 1889. The second country to use an unconventional square shape for its flag is Vatican City.
The flag of Vatican City is half yellow or gold and half white. On the white segment, located on the right side of the flag, is the emblem of Vatican City. This flag was officially recognized in 1929. Interestingly, out of all 193 national flags in the world, only three flags are different in shape. Besides Switzerland and Vatican City, the third is the aforementioned Nepal.
4. The symbol of the cross
You can find the symbol of the cross on many flags around the world. They are often associated with religion, representing Christianity. You can see this symbol, for example, on the flags of England, Georgia, Norway, Sweden or Denmark. For Scandinavian countries, the depiction of the Nordic cross is typical, which also represents Christianity. Other symbols were also used to represent Christianity, but the typical cross was the most commonly used.
5. Colors and history of the country
Most flags of the world use very similar colors, often basic colors - red, blue and yellow, but there are also unique colors that are not very typical. The connection of colors often has a historical basis in the country. We will therefore show you a few meanings of colors that are most often used to represent a country.
Red
Red color is often associated with negative events, and on flags it represents exactly this emotion, also due to historical context. For example, Portugal uses red as a symbol to mark blood lost in the fight to save its country, while Morocco uses this color to express bravery andthe strength of the people in their country. Both countries use this color to indicate the suffering that their citizens experienced in the past.
Blue
Some of you might think that blue could represent the sky or the ocean on flags. Sometimes that may be the case, but the use of the color blue can also have a deeper meaning. It can symbolize freedom and peace.
Yellow or gold
Throughout the history of its use, yellow or gold has been used to denote wealth or good energy, because this color was often associated with the sun.
Green
In most flags, green represents the country's rich nature or its agriculture. However, countries use this color to express it as a symbol of hope and youth.
Black
This color is not used as often, but when it is, it can be used as a symbol of ethnic heritage, defeat of enemies or the country's determination. It can also be used as a symbol of death and mourning.
6. The most colorful flag in the world
Although there are many flags in the world that include a wide range of colors, the country that used the most colors in its flag is clearly the flag of Belize. The flag has a total of 12 colors, making it the most colorful flag in the world. The flag uses blue with a white circle in the center, which contains the country's coat of arms. Red stripes are placed along the top and bottom of the flag.
7. Symbols of the sun, stars, moon...
Every symbol used on a flag conveys a specific meaning about the given country. However, there are also several universal symbols that are used on flags across countries. The universal symbols that most often appear on flags are usually the sun, moon, stars, triangles, squares or the cross. As an example, we can mention Japan, which is known as the „land of the rising sun“, and therefore has a circular shape in the center of its flag, representing the sun.
8. Flags and animals
In addition to specific colors, countries also tend to use animals on their flags. Some countries use their national birdson flags to reflect the heritage of their countries. For example, the flag of Ecuador used a bird from the Andes, called the condor, as an animal symbol. Other countries also depict wild animals, such as lions and other predators, which represent the courage and strength of the country. There are also countries that use fictional animals, such as the flag of Wales, which features a dragon, and the flag of Albania, which features a double-headed eagle.
9. Classification of flags by color groups
Even though we consider every flag in the world to be unique in its patterns and colors, there are certain consistent patterns and colors in which we can see a connection between individual countries. For example, countries characterized by the Islamic faith often use stars and a crescent moon on their flags to express reverence for their religious beliefs. However, there are more connections beyond that. We know three main categories used to group countries according to the use of colors and symbols on flags.
Pan-Slavic colors
Countries with Pan-Slavic colors on their flags use red, white and blue colors and are located in Eastern Europe. These countries were once united by the Soviet Union, but since gaining independence, they have created their own flags in the same colors. These countries include Croatia, Czechia, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia and Slovenia.
Pan-African colors
Pan-African colors - red, yellowand greencolors originate from African culture. Countries in this category are Benin, Cameroon, the Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Guyana, Mali, Mozambique, Senegal, Togo, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Pan-Arab colors
They are used by countries that use only white, red, green and black colors on their flags. These countries are usually located in the Middle East and are Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Sudan, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Western Sahara.
10. The rarest color on flags
The rarest color that can be found on a flag is purple. Interestingly, it is used on only two flags in the world, namely the flag of Nicaragua and the flag of Dominica. Purple often represents royal status or wealth of a country, so it is surprising that it has not been used on more flags around the world.
The reason why these are the only two countries that use this color is that purple dye has always been expensive and hard to obtain throughout history. Both flags were made as late as the end of the 19th century, meaning that access to dyes would have been much easier than hundreds of years earlier, when most other flags were designed. This meant that both countries could use the color at a lower cost and with less effort.
11. What is vexillology?
Did you know that there is a science that deals with the study of flags and their related emblems? This science, called vexillology, deals with the research of flags of all kinds, both modern and historical. It creates a body of practice for future flag designs and use, as well as a body of theory on the development of flags.
Vexillology seeks to understand and explain the important role that flags play in the modern world. The word vexillology is derived from the Latin term - vexillum, which the Romans used to denote a type of standard with a cloth hung on a horizontal beam on a pole. In classical languages, this is the closest equivalent to what we today call a flag.
12. Pirate flag - Jolly Roger
The last, and also the most interesting fact that we will mention in this article, is about a unique flag called Jolly Roger, which consists of a white skull and crossed bones on a black background. It has become an unmistakable symbol of pirates. This flag is displayed in amusement parks, themed restaurants, and even in homes. Most people immediately associate the Jolly Roger with sea pirates.
The flag originates from the 17th century. Around that time, pirate ships could be seen with a flag that is now iconic. Among the famous pirate captains who flew the Jolly Roger flag are Black Sam Bellamy, Francis Spriggs, Bartholomew Roberts, John Taylor and Edward England.Its main function is intimidation.
There is a reason why the Jolly Roger flag looks so frightening: it was meant to deter attacks. Pirate ships were often attacked, by government navies or by other pirates. To prevent their ships from being attacked, pirate captains flew the Jolly Roger flag.
Historians believe that the black background of the Jolly Roger flag was a warning to surrender. Before the Jolly Roger flag was invented and displayed on pirate ships, captains often flew white or black flags. A white flag was flown as a sign of agreement to surrender.
Contrary to popular belief, pirate ships did not always fly the Jolly Roger flag. Pirates, as thieves of the sea, did not want to frighten their victims. Therefore, they kept the Jolly Roger down when sailing far from merchant ships. When they were close enough for an attack, the pirate ships raised the flag Jolly Roger.
Nowadays there are several colored versions of this flag. Over the course of several centuries, pirates designed dozens of Jolly Roger flags.
