Tajikistan Flag Meaning and History

Tajikistan Flag Description:
The flag of Tajikistan consists of three horizontal stripes - the top stripe is red, the middle is white and the bottom stripe is green. The white stripe is double the size of the others. In the middle of the white stripe and flag there is a yellow/gold crown with seven, five-point stars over top of it.

Tajikistan Flag Meaning:
The red stripe represents Tajikistan's independence and the land itself. The white represents the country's purity and the cotton industry which is an important part of the Tajik economy. The green represents Tajikistan's agriculture. The crown and stars symbolize Tajik sovereignty, the union of workers and the unity of Tajikistan's social classes.

Tajikistan Flag History:
The Tajikistan flag was adopted on November 24, 1992, after the country gained its independence from the Soviet Union on September 9, 1991. When Tajikistan was a part of the Soviet Union it used a red flag with thin white and green horizontal stripes, with associated Soviet emblems. These colors form the basis of the current Tajikistan flag.

Interesting Tajikistan Flag Facts:
The Tajikistan flag's stripes are the same color as the flag of Iran, but in a different order. The countries also have close ethnic ties.

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Tanzania Flag Meaning and History

Tanzanian Flag Description:
The flag of Tanzania consists of five diagonal stripes. The top stripe is green, the bottom is an equal-sized blue stripe, and the middle stripe is black with a thin yellow stripe above and below it.

Tanzanian Flag Meaning:
The green stripe symbolizes agriculture and the fertility of the land. The black represents the citizens of Tanzania. The blue stripe stands for the Indian Ocean which is on Tanzania's eastern coastline, and the yellow stripe represents the country's mineral wealth.


Tanzanian Flag History:
The Tanzanian flag was adopted on June 30, 1964. The Tanzanian flag originates from the flags of Tanganyika and Zanzibar, the two countries that merged together to form Tanzania in April 1964. Tanganyika's flag was green with a yellow edged black horizontal stripe centrally placed; while Zanzibar's flag was a horizontal striped tricolor of blue, black and green. Tanzania chose a diagonal design to show equal status to both flags.

Interesting Tanzanian Flag Facts:
Even though Zanzibar united with Tanganyika to form Tanzania in 1964, the island is planning to introduce its own flag before the end of 2004.

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Thailand Flag Meaning and History

Thai Flag Description:
The flag of Thailand consists of five horizontal stripes. The top and bottom are equal-sized red stripes, the middle stripe is blue which is lined above and below by equal-sized white stripes. The blue stripe is double the size of the other four.

Thai Flag Meaning:
The red stripes represent the blood spilt to maintain Thailand's independence. The white stands for purity and is the color of Buddhism which is the country's main religion. Blue is Thailand's national color and it represents the Thai monarchy. The blue is also used to honor Thailand's World War I allies, Great Britain, France, United States and Russia, who all had red, white and blue flags.

Thai Flag History:
The current Thai flag was adopted on September 28, 1917, making it one of the world's older flags. From the mid-19th century until 1916, Thailand, which was called Siam until 1939, used a red based flag with a white elephant on it. That flag was replaced in 1916 with a red-white-red-white-red horizontal striped flag which was modified in 1917, when the blue center replaced red.

Interesting Thai Flag Facts:
The Thai flag is called Triaranga or Triarong, which literally means 'tricolor'.

Even when Thai changed its name from Siam in 1939 and when it was allied with Japan during World War 2 the flag remained the same.

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Togo Flag Meaning and History

Togo Flag Description:
The flag of Togo consists of five equal width horizontal stripes. The top, middle and bottom stripe are green and the other two are yellow. In the top left corner there is a red square with a white five-point star in the middle of it.

Togo Flag Meaning:
The red square symbolizes the loyalty and the patriotism of the people towards their country. The green represents hope, fertility and agriculture. Yellow stands for the country's mineral wealth and the faith that hard work and strength will bring prosperity. The white star represents life, purity, peace, dignity and Togo's independence. The five stripes represent the nation's five distinct geographical regions.

Togo Flag History:
The Togo flag was adopted on April 27, 1960 when Togo gained independence from France. Togo's flag features the pan-African colors of red, yellow and green, which have been adopted by many African ex-colonies and which symbolize African independence and unity. The colors are believed to have originated from the flag of Ethiopia, the oldest independent nation in Africa.

Interesting Togo Flag Facts:
Mr. Ahyi Paul, who was a student in France at the time, designed the Togo flag, which he entered in a 1958 flag competition.

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Tonga Flag Meaning and History

Tongan Flag Description:
The flag of Tonga consists of a red base with a white square in the upper left corner. There is a red cross centered on the white square.

Tongan Flag Meaning:
The red cross represents the country's belief in Christianity. The white stands for purity and the red represents the blood Jesus shed at his crucifixion and reminds Tonga's people that they owe their salvation to him.

Tongan Flag History:
The Tongan flag originated in the 1860s and was adopted on November 4, 1875, making it one of the world's oldest flags. The constitution of 1875 stated that the Tongan flag should never be changed. The Tongan flag was based on an idea from the Tongan King, George Tupou I and possibly patterned on the British Red Ensign, a red flag with the Union Jack in the upper left corner. Tonga gained independence from British protectorate status on June 4, 1970.

Interesting Tongan Flag Facts:
Tonga used to fly a flag that was the same as the flag of the Red Cross organization, so the Tongan flag was changed to avoid confusion with it.

An 1875 law states the Tongan flag should never be altered.

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Trinidad and Tobago Flag Meaning and History

Trinidad and Tobago Flag Description:
The flag of Trinidad and Tobago consists of a red base with an off centered black diagonal stripe originating in the top left corner and running across the flag. The black stripe is bordered on both sides by a thin white stripe.

Trinidad and Tobago Flag Meaning:
The red base represents the vigor of the land in Trinidad and Tobago, the friendliness and courage of its people, and the sun. The black represents the unity and strength of the people, as well as the natural wealth of the country. The white represents the surrounding sea and the purity and equality of all people under the sun. Together, the colors represent earth, water and fire, which connect the nation's people to the past present and future.

Trinidad and Tobago Flag History:
The flag of Trinidad and Tobago was adopted on August 31, 1962 when Trinidad and Tobago gained independence from Britain.


Interesting Trinidad and Tobago Flag Facts:
The flag was designed by the Trinidad and Tobago Independence Committee in 1962.

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Tunisia Flag Meaning and History

Tunisian Flag Description:
The flag of Tunisia consists of a red base with a white outline of a circle in the center. Inside the circle there is a red five pointed star which is based on a white circle and a red crescent.

Tunisian Flag Meaning:
Red is a traditional color of Islam and was the color adopted by the Ottoman Empire who ruled Tunisia from late 16th century until 1881. It also came to represent resistance against Turkish supremacy. The crescent and star are traditional symbols of Islam and are also considered to be lucky symbols. The white circle represents the sun.

Tunisian Flag History:
The Tunisian flag was originally adopted between 1831 and 1835, making Tunisia's flag one of the world's oldest flags. However, the Tunisian flag wasn't legislated in constitution until 1959, after Tunisia had gained independence from France on March 20, 1956. The current version of the Tunisian flag was adopted on July 3, 1999.

Interesting Tunisian Flag Facts:
Even though Tunisia resisted against the Ottoman Empire and Turkish rule, the Tunisian flag is very similar to the Turkish flag.

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Turkey Flag Meaning and History

Turkish Flag Description:
The flag of Turkey consists of a red base with a white crescent moon and a five-point star towards the left side of the flag.

Turkish Flag Meaning:
Red is a traditional Islamic color and was the color used by the Ottoman Empire, who formerly ruled Turkey, but the empire collapsed in 1918. The crescent and star are ancient symbols of Islam and are considered to be signs of good luck. The color red is a prominent color in Turkish history and even though the crescent and star are symbols of Islam they have been used in Asia Minor even before the advent of Islam.

Turkish Flag History:
The Turkish flag has been in use since 1844 but wasn't officially adopted until June 5, 1936. Originally the flag was a crescent on a green base, but this was changed in 1793 when Sultan Selim III changed the background to red. The star was then added in 1844. Like most of the older flags in the world, there are many legends that describe the history and creation of the Turkish flag and the facts are sometimes hard to substantiate.

Interesting Turkish Flag Facts:
The Flag of Turkey is called 'Ay Yildiz' in Turkish which means 'moon star' in English.

Another nickname for the Turkish flag is 'al sancak', which translates roughly into 'red banner'.

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Turkmenistan Flag Meaning and History

Turkmenistan Flag Description:
The flag of Turkmenistan consists of a green base with a vertical stripe on the left side that features five carpet designs above two olive branches. There is a white crescent moon and five white, five-point stars to the top right of the stripe.

Turkmenistan Flag Meaning:
The art of Carpet weaving in Turkmenistan has been present for over a thousand years. Its importance is represented in the flag which incorporates five of the country's basic patterns (called 'guls' locally). In the mid-1990s Turkmenistan declared a policy of permanent neutrality and a pair of olive branches, like those on the United Nations flag, was added to the Turkmenistan flag to represent this. The green base represents Islam and the crescent symbolizes a bright future and hope. The five stars symbolize the five regions or Turkmenistan as well as the five human senses: hearing, sight, smell, taste and touch. The five carpet designs represent the traditions of the country and are a national symbol.

Turkmenistan Flag History:
The Turkmenistan flag was adopted on January 24, 2001. The current Turkmenistan flag is a slight modification of the flag used after Turkmenistan gained independence from the Soviet Union on October 27, 1991.

Interesting Turkmenistan Flag Facts:
When Turkmenistan was a part of the Soviet Union, its flags were all red based with soviet symbols on them.

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Tuvalu Flag Meaning and History

Flag of Tuvalu Flag Description:
The flag of Tuvalu consists of a light blue base with a British Union Jack in the top left quarter. There are 10, yellow, five pointed stars arranged in a pattern on the right side of the flag.

Flag of Tuvalu Flag Meaning:
The British Union Jack represents the country's ties to Britain. The nine stars represent the nine islands of Tuvalu and reproduce their geographical appearance on a map, with the top of the flag being East and the left side being north.


Flag of Tuvalu Flag History:
Tuvalu gained independence from Britain on October 1, 1978 and adopted the current flag. It was replaced for a period in the 1990s but when the country went through a change of government on April 11, 1997, it reverted to the previous flag of 1978. In 1975 the Ellice Islands were renamed Tuvalu, meaning 'eight standing alone'. Only eight of the nine Tuvalu islands were populated at the time the name was chosen.

Interesting Flag of Tuvalu Flag Facts:
In 1995 the Tuvalu flag was replaced with a new one which wasn't based on the British Union Jack, but the new proposal wasn't liked by the citizens of Tuvalu and the old flag was re-instated in 1997, with some minor changes to it.

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Uganda Flag Meaning and History

Ugandan Flag Description:
The flag of Uganda consists of six equal sized alternating stripes of black, yellow and red, starting at the top of the flag with black. In the center of the Ugandan flag there is a white circle with a crane (bird) in it.

Ugandan Flag Meaning:
The black stripes symbolize the African people. The yellow symbolizes the sun and the red stands for brotherhood and fraternity. The crested crane is a national symbol of Uganda - which was first used during British colonial times. Black, yellow and red were also the colors of the Uganda People's Congress party, who came to power in elections in April 1962.

Ugandan Flag History:
The Ugandan flag was adopted on October 9, 1962, the day Uganda gained independence from Britain. A different flag was adopted by the ruling party as the national flag and was unofficially flown, but the Congress Party won the election and a new design - which was based on their colors - was adopted as the current national flag.

Interesting Ugandan Flag Facts:
The Ugandan flag was designed by Uganda's minister of justice at the time, Mr. Grace Ibingira. It was the second of his two flag designs.

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Ukraine Flag Meaning and History

Ukrainian Flag Description:
The flag of Ukraine consists of two equal sized horizontal stripes - the top stripe is light blue and the bottom one is yellow.


Ukrainian Flag Meaning:
The blue half represents peace, the sky above Ukraine and the country's streams and the yellow represents prosperity and the color of the country's wheat fields.

Ukrainian Flag History:
The Ukrainian flag was adopted on January 28, 1992. The blue and yellow national colors of Ukraine originated in 1848 and came from the coat of arms of the city of Lviv. Ukraine officially adopted a blue and yellow national flag in 1918. The flag was the same as the one flown in 1848, yellow on top of blue. In 1918, the colors were reversed. Ukraine gained independence from the Soviet Union on August 24, 1991

Interesting Ukrainian Flag Facts:
When Ukraine was under Soviet rule this flag was forbidden as a symbol of nationalism. The Ukrainian SSR had its own flag.

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United Arab Emirates Flag Meaning and History

United Arab Emirates Flag Description:
The flag of the United Arab Emirates consists of three equally sized horizontal stripes with a red vertical stripe on the left side of the flag. The horizontal stripes are from top to bottom, green, white and black.

United Arab Emirates Flag Meaning:
The flag of the United Arab Emirates is believed to be based on the Arab Revolt Flag which was created in 1916, and flown by Arab nationalists during their liberation struggle against Ottoman (Turkish) rule. Red, white, black and green are called the pan-Arab colors and have been historically linked to the Arab people and Islamic faith for centuries. They stand for Arab unity and independence and can be seen in the flags of many countries in the region.

United Arab Emirates Flag History:
The flag of the United Arab Emirates was adopted on December 2, 1971 when the country was formed by a union of seven sheikdoms. Before 1971 the seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al-Qaiwain were known as the Trucial States, in reference of a nineteenth-century truce between the British and some Arab sheikhs. Until the mid 19th century the area was known as the Pirate Coast because of the number of pirates there.


Interesting United Arab Emirates Flag Facts:
The United Arab Emirates used to have the biggest flag pole in the world until it was surpassed in 2003 by the Amman (Jordan).

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Uruguay Flag Meaning and History

Uruguay Flag Description:
The flag of Uruguay consists of nine alternating stripes of equal width. There are five white stripes and four blue ones. The top and bottom stripes are white. In the top left corner of the flag there is a white square with a yellow/gold sun in its center that has 16 alternating straight and curvy waves.

Uruguay Flag Meaning:
The sun emblem is the 'Sun of May'; it is a symbol of freedom and independence. The nine stripes represent the nine provinces of Uruguay, which existed at the time of the flags creation.

Uruguay Flag History:
The Uruguay flag was adopted on July 11, 1830, making it one of the world's oldest flags. When it was first adopted in 1828 it had 17 stripes but it was reduced to nine in 1830. Uruguay declared independence from Brazil on August 25, 1825.

Interesting Uruguay Flag Facts:
The colors of the Uruguay flag were inspired by the flag of Argentina; while the United States national flag influenced the design.

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United States of America Flag Meaning and History

American Flag Description:
The flag of the United States of America consists of 13 alternating horizontal stripes of equal width - seven are red and six are white. The top and bottom stripes on the American flag are red. In the top left corner of the flag there is a dark blue rectangle which has 50 white, five-point stars on it. The stars are arranged in nine horizontal rows.

American Flag Meaning:
The 13 stripes represent the 13 original colonies of the US: Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina and Virginia. The 50 stars represent the individual states that make up the nation. Popular history states the red of the flag represents valor, white stands for liberty or purity and blue represents justice, loyalty and perseverance. These meanings are unofficial though.

American Flag History:
The current American flag was adopted on July 4, 1960. The American flag originated in the mid-18th century from flags used at the time of the American War of Independence with Britain. Congress officially set the design of the American flag in June 1777, stating that it should be 13 alternating red and white stripes, with 13 white stars on a blue field as there were 13 original member states in the newly formed Union. As new states joined the country a new star and stripe were added to the American flag. In 1818, the American flag's design was changed to the original one of 13 stripes. Any new states were now represented by a white star only and would be added to the American flag on July 4th of the year they joined. Up until 1818, there was no specific pattern for the stars to follow and this led to a few different designs until the president stated they should be placed in parallel rows. The last star, representing Hawaii was added was in 1960, and it became the 27th version of the American flag. Like many of the worlds other old flags, there are many legends and myths that surround the flag of the United States of America.

Interesting American Flag Facts:
The American flag is often called "the stars and stripes" or "Old Glory."

The American flag has influenced the design of many other of the world's flags

Old and tattered flags are supposed to be burned in a simple ceremony once they become unacceptable for flying. However, may people have taken to public displays of burning the American flag to show their displeasure with the country.

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Uzbekistan Flag Meaning and History

Uzbekistan Flag Description:
The flag of Uzbekistan consists of three equal-sized horizontal stripes. The top stripe is light blue, the middle stripe is white, and the bottom stripe is light green. The white stripe is bordered above and below it by a thin red stripe. On the left side of the blue stripe there is a white crescent moon and 12, white, five-point stars situated in horizontal rows of ascending order.

Uzbekistan Flag Meaning:
The crescent symbolizes the independence of Uzbekistan and the historical traditions of the people. The 12 stars represent the historical culture of the country and relate to the 12 signs of the zodiac, which served as a basis for a solar calendar. The blue is historically linked to Uzbekistan and also represents the sky and water as one of the main sources of life. The white stands for peace and purity of ideals. Green represents nature, hope and new life and red represents life.

Uzbekistan Flag History:
The Uzbekistan flag was adopted on November 18, 1991, just after Uzbekistan gained independence from the Soviet Union on September 1, 1991.


Interesting Uzbekistan Flag Facts:
Even though Uzbekistan is a predominantly Muslim country and the crescent is a symbol of Islam, the crescent moon on the Uzbekistan flag represents of the nation instead of its religion.

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Vanuatu Flag Meaning and History

Vanuatu Flag Description:
The flag of Vanuatu is divided into three sections. There is a red horizontal stripe over top of a green one, and on the left side of the flag there is a yellow Y that runs through the middle of the flag. The Y is outlined in black with a black triangle filling in the Y. Inside the triangle there is an emblem of a boar's tusk with two fern leaves inside it.

Vanuatu Flag Meaning:
The black represents the Melanesian people that make up the majority of Vanuatu's population. Red represents the country's unity through blood. Green represents the land and its agriculture and yellow stands for the Christianity of the people, the light it shines on them, and peace. The boar's tusk is a traditional Vanuatu symbol of prosperity and is worn as a pendant by islanders. The leaves stand for peace. If looking at Vanuatu on a map, the islands that make up the nation form a Y-shape; this is represented by the Y on the flag.

Vanuatu Flag History:
The Vanuatu flag was adopted on February 13, 1980. Vanuatu gained independence from France and Britain on July 30, 1980. After the Vanuaaku Party led the country to independence the party's colors were adopted as the basis for the national flag.


Interesting Vanuatu Flag Facts:
The final design of the Vanuatu flag was chosen shortly before Vanuatu gained independence by a parliamentary committee from flags that were submitted by local artists.

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Vatican City Flag Meaning and History

Vatican City Flag Description:
The flag of Vatican City consists of two vertical halves - the left side is yellow and the right side is white. In the middle of the white half is the crossed keys of Saint Peter and the papal miter.


Vatican City Flag Meaning:
In heraldry, yellow and white usually represent the metals, gold and silver, which are not placed side by side. Special exception is made in here because gold and silver also represent the keys of Saint Peter.

Vatican City Flag History:

The flag of Vatican City was introduced in 1825, but wasn't adopted until June 8, 1929, just after it gained independence from Italy on February 11, 1929. Vatican City-State is the smallest independent country in the world both in area and in population The Vatican is the home of the Pope and forms the territory of the Holy Sea; which is the central authority of the Roman Catholic Church.

Interesting Vatican City Flag Facts:

Although the Vatican City flag is often seen in various sizes, the official proportions are1:1, which makes the flag square in shape.

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Venezuela Flag Meaning and History

Venezuelan Flag Description:
The flag of Venezuela consists of three equal sized horizontal stripes - the top stripe is yellow, the middle blue, and the bottom stripe is red. In the middle of the blue stripe and flag there are seven, white, five-pointed stars that are arranged in a semi circle. In the top left hand corner of the Venezuelan flag is the country's coat of arms.

Venezuelan Flag Meaning:
The Venezuelan flag is based on one flown by independence fighters fighting against Spanish colonial rule. At that time the yellow represented the gold of the Americas, blue stood for the Atlantic Ocean which separated the new Americas from the bloody old world of Europe and Spain which is signified by red. A modern but similar meaning behind the Venezuelan flag states that the yellow represents new opportunities, the red symbolizes Spain, and the blue stands for the Atlantic Ocean, which separates the two. The seven stars represent the seven provinces that existed at the time of Venezuelan independence.

Venezuelan Flag History:
The Venezuelan flag was adopted on February 19, 1954. Venezuela declared independence from Spain on July 5, 1811. After gaining independence the former Spanish colonies of Colombia, Ecuador, Panama and Venezuela formed a federation of states called Greater Colombia. This union used a horizontal striped flag (yellow, blue and red) based on a flag flown at the turn of the 19th century by Central American independence fighters. The current flags of Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela are based on this flag. In 1829, Venezuela left the federation and adopted a yellow, blue, red horizontal flag. The basic design has remained the same with a few modifications. The last modification to the Venezuelan flag occurred in 1954, when the coat of arms was added.

Interesting Venezuelan Flag Facts:
There are many Venezuelan flags that do not have the coat of arms on them; this is the country's civil flag.

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Vietnam Flag Meaning and History

Vietnamese Flag Description:
The flag of Vietnam consists of a red base with a yellow, five pointed star in the center.

Vietnamese Flag Meaning:
The red base represents blood spilt during the country's fight for independence. The star represents Vietnam's unity and the points on the star represent the union of the workers, peasants, soldiers, intellectuals and young people working together in building socialism.

Vietnamese Flag History:
The Vietnamese flag was adopted on November 30, 1955, after gaining independence from French rule in 1954. The basic design of the Vietnamese flag originates from the 1940s and was used by liberation forces fighting for independence against Japan. When the Vietnamese flag was adopted in 1955, it was only used by the communist-led North Vietnam. The southern half of the nation was called the Republic of South Vietnam. The south collapsed in 1976 and the country was unified under the name the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Interesting Vietnamese Flag Facts:
Vietnam had been under the rule of China, Japan and France before gaining independence. When under French rule Vietnam's flag was yellow based. The flag of South Vietnam was also yellow based.

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Yemen Flag Meaning and History

Yemen Flag Description:
The flag of Yemen consists of three equal-sized horizontal stripes - the top stripe is red, the middle is white and the bottom stripe is black.

Yemen Flag Meaning:
Red, white, black and green are called the pan-Arab colors and have been historically linked to the Arab people and Islamic faith for centuries. The red stripe represents the blood shed during the country's struggle for independence. The white symbolizes hope for the future, and the black stripe represents an end to the country's dark past.

Yemen Flag History:
The Yemen flag was adopted on May 22, 1990 when North Yemen and South Yemen joined together. The red, white and black stripes were also present on the flags of North and South Yemen, and are traditional Arab colors. The Yemen flag is similar to the flag of the Arab Liberation Flag.

Interesting Yemen Flag Facts:
The basic designs of the flags of North Yemen and South Yemen were similar as they both had red, white and black horizontal stripes, but each flag had its own symbol added to it.

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Zambia Flag Meaning and History

Zambian Flag Description:
The flag of Zambia consists of a green base. In the bottom right corner there are three equal-sized vertical stripes from left to right of red, black and orange. Above the stripes there is an orange eagle.

Zambian Flag Meaning:
The green base represents the country's vegetation and natural wealth. The red represents Zambia's struggle for independence. Black represents the people of Zambia, and the orange stripe stands for the nation's mineral wealth, especially copper. The eagle stands for freedom and is also in the country's coat of arms.

Zambian Flag History:
The Zambian flag was originally adopted on October 24, 1964, and slightly modified in 1996. The country gained its independence from Britain at this time and changed its name from Northern Rhodesia to Zambia. The eagle originates from Zambia's coat of arms.

Interesting Zambian Flag Facts:
A Zambian flag law states that the National Flag shall only be flown between the hours of sunrise and sunset.

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Zimbabwe Flag Meaning and History

Zimbabwe Flag Description:
The flag of Zimbabwe consists of seven horizontal stripes of equal width. The middle stripe is black and there are stripes of red, green and yellow above and below the black stripe. On the left side of the Zimbabwe flag is a white horizontal triangle with a red, five-point star in it and on top of the star there is a yellow Great Zimbabwe bird.

Zimbabwe Flag Meaning:
The red stripes represent the blood shed for independence; the yellow represents the country's mineral wealth; the green symbolizes Zimbabwe's agriculture and the land; the black stripe represents the African people; and the white stands for peace. The Great Zimbabwe bird is a national symbol and the red star behind the bird represents socialism.

Zimbabwe Flag History:
The flag was adopted on April 18, 1980. Zimbabwe gained independence from Britain as Southern Rhodesia in 1965 and then gained independence from Rhodesia as Zimbabwe on April 17, 1980. The Zimbabwe flag incorporates the pan-African colors of red, yellow and green, which were carried by one of the nationalist groups fighting for Zimbabwe's independence. The pan-African colors are used by many African ex-colonies and stand for African independence and unity. It is believed the colors originated from the flag of Ethiopia, the oldest independent nation in Africa.


Interesting Zimbabwe Flag Facts:
A law in Zimbabwe states that any person who burns, mutilates or otherwise insults the flag or shows it disrespect, shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years.

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Iceland Flag Meaning and History

Icelandic Flag Description:
The flag of Iceland consists of a blue base with a red cross (Scandinavian) bordered in white. The vertical stripe of the cross is towards the left side of the flag, leaving the cross uncentered.

Icelandic Flag Meaning:
The cross on the Icelandic flag represents Iceland's Scandinavian connection. The Icelandic flag was designed by Matthias Thordarson. He explained the colors as representing blue for the mountains, white for ice and snow and red for fire and lava as Iceland has much volcanic activity. Blue and white are the country's traditional colors. The Icelandic flag is a reversed version of the Norwegian flag and it reflects Iceland's early ancestral link to Norway. It also incorporates the red and white of Denmark's flag.

Icelandic Flag History:
The Icelandic flag was adopted on June 19, 1915. The King of Denmark approved, in principle, the adoption of an Icelandic national flag in 1913 and this led to the introduction of the current flag design. The Icelandic flag was used unofficially since 1913. The Icelandic flag remained unchanged when Iceland became a self-governing state in 1918 and then an independent republic in 1944.

Interesting Icelandic Flag Facts:
According to Icelandic law the use of the flag is a privilege and not a right, therefore the owner of the flag must follow instructions on its usage and make sure that the Icelandic flag is in excellent condition. The law also states that nobody shall disrespect the Icelandic flag physically or verbally. If they do the person faces a fine or imprisonment up to one year.
Law also states that the Icelandic flag shall not be flown before 7am and it should preferably not be flown after sunset but must not be flown past midnight. However if the Icelandic flag is flown at an outdoor assembly, an official gathering, funeral or a memorial the flag may be flown after sunset or as long as the event lasts, though never past midnight.

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India Flag Meaning and History

Indian Flag Description:
The flag of India consists of three equal sized horizontal stripes - the top stripe is orange (saffron); the middle one is white; and the bottom stripe is green. In the middle of the white stripe and the flag is a blue emblem (Ashoka Chakra), a 24-spoked wheel which represents the wheel of the law.

Indian Flag Meaning:
At the time of its initial introduction, in 1931, the Indian flag's colors represented the two main ethnic groups of India - the saffron stripe represented the Hindu people; and the green stripe represented the Muslim people. The white stripe white represented the peace desired between them and the truth. An updated meaning has interpreted the saffron symbol as representing courage and sacrifice; the white representing purity and truth; and the green standing for faith, fertility and chivalry. The Wheel of Law's 24 spokes are said to represent each hour of the day, as well as the endless circle of life.

Indian Flag History:
The Indian flag was adopted on July 22, 1947. Just before India received independence from Britain on Aug. 15, 1947, the nationalist political party, the Indian National Congress, which included Mohandas Gandhi, adopted the design for the national flag of India. The Indian flag was based on a flag first introduced by the Indian National Congress in 1931.

Interesting Indian Flag Facts:
The Indian national flag is also known as the 'tiranga', which in Hindi means 'tricolor'.
As of January 15, 2002, Indian citizens were allowed to fly the Indian flag throughout the year. Earlier they were only allowed to do so on special days such as Republic Day and Independence Day. The Delhi High Court ruled that displaying the Indian flag was part of the fundamental right to freedom of expression.

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Indonesia Flag Meaning and History

Indonesian Flag Description:
The flag of Indonesia consists of a horizontal red stripe over top of an equally sized horizontal white stripe.

Indonesian Flag Meaning:
The flags on the Indonesian flag represent the following: the red stripe symbolizes blood and represents the human body; the white stripe represents the soul and the spirit; and when put together the red and white represent a complete human being.

Indonesian Flag History:
The Indonesian flag was adopted on August 17, 1945. The first Indonesian flag was flown among Japanese occupation forces on the day Indonesia's independence was proclaimed. However, the previous Dutch colonial rulers didn't recognize Indonesian independence until December 27, 1949. In 1922 the Indonesian flag was used by activists seeking Indonesian independence from Dutch colonial rule and was later flown in 1928, by nationalists on the island of Java to represent the Indonesian campaign for independence. The Indonesian flag is based on a banner believed to have been flown in the late 13th century by the Majapahit Empire.

Interesting Indonesian Flag Facts:
The Indonesian national flag is called "Sang Saka Merah Putih" (exalted bi-color)

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Iran Flag Meaning and History

Iranian Flag Description:
The flag of Iran consists of three equal sized horizontal stripes - the top stripe is green; the middle one is white; and the bottom stripe is red. On the edges of the white stripe there are stylized writings. In the middle of the white stripe and at the flag's center is the country's coat of arms consisting of four crescents and a sword.

Iranian Flag Meaning:
The green stripe symbolizes Islam and the white represents purity and peace. The red stripe symbolizes blood and valor. The writing is Allah-o Akbar (God is Great) which is written 22 times in stylized Kufi script - this represents February 11, 1979, which was the day of the Iranian Revolution. The coat of arms symbolizes strength and fortitude and the growth of the Muslim faith. The stylized emblem as a whole reads Allah or God.

Iranian Flag History:
The Iranian flag was adopted on July 29, 1980. The colors of the Iranian flag are traditional and probably date from at least the 18th century. A plain horizontal striped tricolor flag of green, white and pink had been in use in Iran since 1905. The pink stripe was officially changed to red in 1933. Iran was a monarchy for nearly 400 years until a republic was declared in 1979, after Muslim clerics and students overthrew the last Shah.

Interesting Iranian Flag Facts:
The Iranian flag's centerpiece formerly consisted of a lion with a sword standing before a rising sun, with a crown above. But all traditional flags and banners were abolished after the abdication of the shah in 1979.
The new emblem was designed by Hamid Nadimi, and was officially approved by Ayatollah Khomeini on May 9, 1980.

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Iraq Flag Meaning and History

Iraqi Flag Description:
The flag of Iraq consists of three equal sized horizontal stripes - the top stripe is red; the middle one white; and the bottom stripe is black the takbir. The phrase 'God is Great' is written in green and is placed horizontally on the white stripe. There are also three green stars in the stripe.

Iraqi Flag Meaning:
Red, white, black and green are called the pan-Arab colors. They have been linked to the Arab people and Islamic faith for centuries. The colors stand for Arab unity and independence and are used in the flags of many countries in the region. The green stars symbolize Iraq's unsuccessful attempt to unite with Egypt and Syria and each star was to represent a country in the union. Today they represent Iraq's desire for Arab unity. The writing on the flag reads Allah-o Akbar (God is Great).

Iraqi Flag History:
The Iraqi flag was adopted on July, 31, 1963, but it was slightly modified on Jan. 13, 1991. The takbir [Allah Akbar (God is great) in Arabic script] was added to the 1963 flag during the Gulf War on January 13, 1991. Iraq's flag has had four different designs since the creation of Iraq in 1921. The Iraqi flag is based on the Arab Liberation Flag, introduced by Egyptian army officers involved in the 1952 coup d'etat, which overthrew the Egyptian monarchy. It has since been the inspiration for the flags of several countries in the region. Iraq was mandated as independent from Britain on October 3, 1932.

Interesting Iraqi Flag Facts:
A new flag for Iraq was proposed in April 2004 but nothing has really become of it. At a ceremony on June 28, 2004 when the new interim government of Iraq was sworn in, a Iraqi flag similar to the 1991 pattern, but wider and with the stars and with the Arabic script more loosely spread across the width of the flag was present.
The loose handwriting on the Iraqi flag was rumored to the writing of Saddam Hussein.

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Ireland Flag Meaning and History

Irish Flag Description:
The flag of Ireland consists of three equal sized vertical stripes - the left stripe is green; the middle one is white; and the right stripe is orange.

Irish Flag Meaning:
The colors of the Irish flag have no official meaning but many legends have risen to account for the colors. One of them states that the Green stripe is represents Catholics, the Orange represents Protestants and the white stripe symbolizes the peace between them. Another one states the orange color is associated with the Protestants in Ulster and those that derived from William III who defeated the Irish Catholics at the Battle of the Boyne in the late 1600s. It was included in the Irish flag in an attempt to reconcile the Protestants with the Irish independence movement.

Irish Flag History:
The Irish flag was adopted on December 29, 1937. The first known use of the Irish tricolour, which is based on the French national flag, was by Irish nationalists shortly after the French Revolution in 1848. After the Easter Rising of 1916, which was a nationalist uprising against British rule, the Irish tricolor became widely regarded as the national flag. In 1922, Ireland was separated into two states by Britain. An independent Irish state, called the Irish Free State, adopted the Irish flag and Northern Ireland which consists of the mainly Protestant northeast part of the island elected to remain governed by Great Britain. The Irish flag remained unchanged when the Irish Republic was established on April18, 1949.

Interesting Irish Flag Facts:
There is a cocktail called the "Irish flag" which consists of 2 cc Mint spirit, 2 cc Irish cream and 2 cc Grand Marnier. The ingredients have to be poured in the above order and very gently down a long spoon so that the colored liquids won't mix together. The drink, when made, resembles the green, white and orange of the Irish flag.

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Israel Flag Meaning and History

Israeli Flag Description:
The flag of Israel consists of a white background with a horizontal blue stripe towards the top and an equal sized stripe across the bottom section. In the middle of the Israeli flag is a blue Star of David.

Israeli Flag Meaning:
The Star of David (Magen David) is also known as the Jewish star and is a symbol of Judaism. The Star was officially used as a Jewish symbol for the first time in 1354. A modern interpretation of the Israeli flag states the blue and white stripes represent purity, guided by the principles of the Torah and the Star of David represents a new beginning for Israel.

Israeli Flag History:
The Israeli flag was adopted on October 28, 1948, five months after the country's independence on May 14, 1948 from the British Mandate of Palestine-Israel. The Israeli flag is modeled after the Jewish prayer shawl known as the Tallit. The current Israeli flag is based on the Zionist movement flag which is about 100 years old, which represented the Jewish population in the Mandate era but had no official standing.

Interesting Israeli Flag Facts:
From most accounts, the Magen David was originally chosen on the flag of the Jewish community of Prague in the middle ages for decorative purposes. It was basically just a star with no meaning to it.
There is a custom used for the Israeli national flag's flagpole. The flag pole is painted blue, about one third of the way up the pole, and white at the top section.

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Italy Flag Meaning and History

Italian Flag Description:
The flag of Italy consists of three equal sized vertical stripes - the left stripe is green; the middle one is white; and the right stripe is red.

Italian Flag Meaning:
The Italian flag is based on the design of the French flag. There are different accounts explaining the meaning and history of the green, white and red colors. One account states that the colors of the Italian flag may have been based on military uniforms from Milan. Another one suggests Napoleon Bonaparte replaced the blue of the French flag with green because he liked the color.

Italian Flag History:
The current Italian flag was adopted on June 19, 1946. The Italian tricolor flag was first used to represent the French controlled Lombardy region of northern Italy in 1796 and then used by Napoleon Bonaparte's Cisalpine Republic in 1797. In 1848, the King of Sardinia reintroduced the Italian flag incorporating his coat of arms, for all the areas of the country that were under his control. When the Italian Kingdom was established in 1861, it adopted the Italian flag with the royal coat of arms as the national flag to represent a united Italy. The arms were removed from the Italian flag in 1946 when the monarchy was abolished.

Interesting Italian Flag Facts:
Umberto Bossi, the leader of the anti-European Northern League party, was handed a 16-month suspended sentence for referring to the Italian flag as toilet paper in 1997. A judge convicted the then 59-year-old politician of contempt and sentenced him to 16 months in prison but also suspended the term, meaning Bossi didn't have to go to jail.

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Guyana Flag Meaning and History

Guyana Flag Description:
The flag of Guyana consists of a green background with a yellow horizontal isosceles triangle originating from the left side of the flag. The triangle is bordered by white and a red isosceles triangle that is bordered in black. The triangles point to the right of the flag.

Guyana Flag Meaning:
The green symbolizes Guyana's forests, vegetation and agriculture. The Golden Arrowhead (yellow) represents the country's mineral wealth and its golden future. The red stands for the country's eagerness and enthusiasm to embrace the nation-building process. The white represents Guyana's abundant water resources and the black indicates the perseverance and endurance of the nation.

Guyana Flag History:
The Guyana flag was adopted on May 26, 1966, the day Guyana received independence from Britain. The country also changed its name at this time to 'Guyana', from British 'Guiana'. The Guyana flag is based on a design submitted to a government contest, held in 1962, by an American vexillologist named Dr. Whitney Smith. Dr. Smith's design, however, didn't include the borders around the yellow and red triangles.

Interesting Guyana Flag Facts:
The Guyana flag is also known as the Golden Arrowhead.

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Morocco Flag Meaning and History

Moroccan Flag Description:
The flag of Morocco consists of a red base with a green outlined, five-point star known as the 'Seal of Solomon' in the center of it.

Moroccan Flag Meaning:
Green and red are traditional colors of Islam, which is Morocco's official religion. Red is also the color of the reigning Moroccan dynasty. The Seal of Solomon represents the link between God and the nation.

Moroccan Flag History:
The Moroccan flag was adopted on November 17, 1915. Morocco gained independence from France on March 2, 1956. The 'Seal of Solomon' was added to the red flag, previously used by the reigning Moroccan dynasty since the 17th century, to differentiate Morocco's flag from similar red flags of other nations.


Interesting Moroccan Flag Facts:
The Moroccan flag remained unchanged when the sultanate of Morocco was restored by the two colonial rulers of France and Spain, and independence was granted in 1956. A year later, the sultan became a king and Morocco became a kingdom.

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