Flags of the World - All Country Flags with Images (2025)

The World's Most Popular Flags

Discover the stories behind the most recognized national flags around the world

United States

The flag with 50 stars representing the states and 13 stripes honoring the original colonies has long been a global icon. Its recognition stems from American pop culture—from Hollywood blockbusters to sports arenas. A defining moment came on July 20, 1969, when the "Stars and Stripes" became the first flag planted on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission. This symbol embodies not just a nation but key milestones of the 20th century, making it one of the world's most recognizable flags.

United Kingdom

The "Union Jack" combines the crosses of St. George (England), St. Andrew (Scotland), and St. Patrick (Northern Ireland), with origins in 1606 when James VI united the crowns of England and Scotland, finalized in 1801 with Ireland's inclusion. Its global fame grew from Britain's colonial past, with its design echoed in the flags of Australia, New Zealand, and even the state of Hawaii, reflecting historical influence. In pop culture, it's a symbol of British identity—from fashion to film—embodying the nation's style and heritage.

France

The blue-white-red tricolor emerged during the French Revolution, becoming the official flag on February 15, 1794, and symbolizes the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity born in 1789. Its prominence owes much to France's cultural and political influence—from revolutionary ideas to art and fashion—and its inspiration for tricolors in nations like Italy and Belgium. A curious detail: naval versions have stripes in a 30:33:37 ratio, unlike the equal proportions on land, to appear balanced in the wind.

Japan

The "Hinomaru"—a red disc on a white field—is one of the simplest and most recognizable flags, officially adopted on August 13, 1999, though it served as Japan's symbol since the 19th century with roots stretching back centuries. Its popularity soared with Japan's global cultural impact—from anime and manga to technological innovation. Representing the rising sun, it gained prominence during the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, the first Games in Asia, marking Japan's triumphant return to the world stage.

Brazil

A green field, yellow diamond, and blue globe with 27 stars, paired with the motto "Order and Progress," make Brazil's flag unique. Its fame grew through five World Cup victories (1958–2002) and the Rio Carnival, which draws millions of tourists yearly and reaches hundreds of millions via broadcasts. The stars depict the sky over Rio de Janeiro on the morning of November 15, 1889, when the republic was proclaimed, with the design finalized on November 19—an astronomical touch that adds distinctive charm.

Fascinating Flag Facts

Discover surprising and intriguing facts about national flags from around the world

The Oldest Flag in the World

Denmark's flag, known as "Dannebrog," is considered the oldest national flag still in use, documented since the 14th century and officially adopted in 1625. Legend claims it fell from the sky on June 15, 1219, during the Battle of Lyndanisse, aiding King Valdemar II's victory over the Estonians—though unproven. Its red field with a white Scandinavian cross became a national icon, inspiring Norway and Sweden's flags. It boasts at least 650 years of history, or 800 by myth!

A Flag with a Rifle

Mozambique is the only country with an AK-47 on its flag, symbolizing the 1964–1974 fight for independence from Portugal, won in 1975. Adopted on May 1, 1983, it features three horizontal stripes (green, black, yellow) split by thin white lines and a red triangle near the hoist. Inside, an emblem shows the rifle crossed with a hoe, over a book, under a red star. This bold choice sparked debate in the 2000s, yet it remains a mark of resilience.

The Most Changed Flag

Afghanistan has altered its flag 21 times since the early 20th century—more than any nation—mirroring turmoil from monarchy to communism, Soviet rule, Taliban eras, and republics. The black-red-green tricolor with a white emblem of mosques was set on August 19, 2004, until the Taliban restored a white flag with the Shahada in 2021. It's the current standard, a stark reminder that flag stability here is rare amid constant upheaval.

A Flag with a Starry Sky

Brazil's flag stands out with a blue globe of 27 stars, mapping the sky over Rio de Janeiro on November 15, 1889—the dawn of the republic. Adopted on November 19, 1889, with 21 stars that grew to 27 by 1992, it's rooted in astronomy and positivism. The motto "Order and Progress" echoes its creators' ideals. It's the only flag capturing a real celestial snapshot of a historic moment.

A Flag That Survived an Attack

On January 9, 1861, the U.S. flag on the "Star of the West" endured Confederate fire in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina—one of the Civil War's first clashes. The ship, aiding Fort Sumter, retreated, but its flag stood firm as a Union symbol. Separately, on September 14, 1814, Francis Scott Key saw a 15-star flag over Fort McHenry amid British bombardment. Now in the Smithsonian, it inspired "The Star-Spangled Banner," America's anthem of endurance.

The Simplest Flag

From 1977 to 2011, Libya's flag was solid green—the world's only one without symbols or patterns. Muammar Gaddafi chose it after breaking with Egypt over Sadat's Israel visit, reflecting Islam and his "Green Revolution." This minimalist design lasted 34 years, stunning the world with its starkness. After the 2011 uprising, Libya revived its 1951 tricolor with a crescent and star, leaving the green experiment behind.

A Flag with a Dragon

Bhutan's flag boasts a white "Druk"—the Thunder Dragon—on an orange-yellow field, symbolizing purity, strength, and protection of this Himalayan kingdom. Adopted in 1969, it embodies Buddhist spirituality and royal power in an isolated land. Few nations dare feature mythical beasts, but Bhutan's dragon roars in its symbolism and name—"Druk Yul" in Dzongkha means "Land of the Thunder Dragon"!

A Flag That Reads

Saudi Arabia's flag bears the Shahada—Islam's declaration of faith—in white on green, with a sword symbolizing justice and Saud rule. Its sacred text forbids lowering it in mourning and requires double-sided stitching for readability. Modernized in 1973, though dating to 1932, it reflects the nation's religious core. Early versions had a curved sword—straightened later for a sharper, modern look!

A Secret Code in a Flag

Monaco and Indonesia's flags—red over white—seem twins: Monaco's carries the Grimaldi colors since 1881, while Indonesia's "Sang Saka Merah-Putih" marks 1945 independence, echoing the Majapahit empire. In the 1950s, Indonesia grumbled about the likeness, but Monaco held firm. Oddly, the red-white banner once flew on ships of both peoples, though in different eras—a quirky coincidence or maritime fate?

Monaco

Indonesia

A Flag with a Volcano

Ecuador's flag showcases Chimborazo—its tallest volcano—in a crest atop a tricolor of gold, sky, and heroes' blood, symbolizing the Andes' grandeur. Set in 1900, it honors natural splendor and national pride, with the peak as Earth's farthest point from its core. No other nation flaunts such a volcanic emblem, crowned by a condor soaring over Ecuador's heights!

About National Flags

Learn how flags started, what they mean, and where they show up today

The Evolution of Flag Design

Flags started long ago—over 3,000 years back in China, soldiers of the Zhou dynasty waved white banners around the 11th century BC to get noticed in battle. In Rome, around 100 BC, legions carried eagle signs for their squads. In 1568, the Dutch raised a tricolor—orange, white, blue—while fighting Spain. Then in 1789, France showed off its tricolor after the Revolution, and flags became a country thing. Why do so many go for stripes? They stand out from far away.

The Art of Flag Symbolism

Everything on a flag means something. Red hit Denmark’s flag in 1219—folks say it’s about bravery from a battle tale. White landed on Switzerland’s flag in 1291—it’s about purity from way back in medieval days. Argentina painted a sun in 1818—freedom after splitting from Spain. Canada picked a maple leaf in 1965—it’s about forests and tough spirit. Stars, stripes, or animals—all tell a country’s story. What’s your flag saying?

Flags in Everyday Life

Flags aren’t just for fancy events. In 1964, Tokyo hung "Hinomaru" everywhere for the Olympics—houses, streets, crowds. In the US, after 9/11 in 2001, millions grabbed "Stars and Stripes." Brazil’s flag shows up on shirts every World Cup—big time in 2002 when they won. People snatch flags to cheer or shout, not just for official stuff. Where does your flag pop up?

All Countries Flags

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