Flags are more than just pieces of fabric with colors and designs. They are loaded with history and meaning and can tell us a lot about a country or region.
Here are 18 interesting facts about flags from around the world.
1. The world’s oldest surviving flag is the Flag of Denmark, which dates back to 1370:
The world’s oldest surviving flag is the Flag of Denmark. The flag is made of red wool and white wool, and it features a simple design of a cross. The flag dates back to 1370, making it over 640 years old.
2. The world’s largest flag is in Qatar:
The world’s largest flag is in Qatar. The flag is nearly 500 feet wide and nearly 300 feet tall. It weighs an incredible 1,800 pounds.
3. Vatican City has the world’s smallest army:
Vatican City has the world’s smallest army. The army consists of just 110 members.
4. Chile and Greece are the only countries whose flags have been unchanged for more than 200 years:
Chile and Greece are the only countries whose flags have been unchanged for more than 200 years. Chile’s flag was designed in 1817, while Greece’s flag was designed in 1822.
5. The world’s youngest country in South Sudan, which has a blue stripe on its flag to represent the Nile River:
The world’s youngest country is South Sudan, which became independent in 2011. The flag of South Sudan features a blue stripe to represent the Nile River.
6. There are only two square national flags in the world:
There are only two square national flags in the world. The flags belong to Switzerland and Vatican City.
7. The world’s oldest national flag still in use is that of the Netherlands:
The world’s oldest national flag still in use is that of the Netherlands. The flag, which is red, white, and blue, was first used in 1568.
8. Nepal is the only country in the world with a non-rectangular flag:
Nepal is the only country in the world with a non-rectangular flag. The flag is made up of two triangles, one red and one blue.
9. Mozambique’s flag features an AK-47:
Mozambique’s flag features an AK-47 assault rifle. The rifle is meant to symbolize the country’s struggle for independence.
10. The flag of Bhutan features a dragon:
The flag of Bhutan features a dragon. The dragon is meant to represent the country’s mythological history.
11. The flag of Afghanistan is the only flag in the world that features a mosque:
The flag of Afghanistan is the only flag in the world that features a mosque. The mosque is meant to symbolize the country’s religious history.
12. The flag of Mauritania features a crescent and a star:
The flag of Mauritania features a crescent and a star. The crescent and star are both common symbols in Islamic flags.
13. The United States has the world’s tallest free-standing flagpole:
The United States has the world’s tallest free-standing flagpole. The flagpole is located in Seattle, Washington, and it is nearly 600 feet tall.
14. The world’s largest hand-painted mural is on the flag of Ecuador:
The world’s largest hand-painted mural is on the flag of Ecuador. The mural, which covers nearly 28,000 square feet, features a map of the country as well as various animals and plants.
15. The flag of Latvia features a white rose:
The flag of Latvia features a white rose. The rose is meant to symbolize purity and innocence.
16. The flag of Nepal is the only national flag in the world that is not rectangular or square:
The flag of Nepal is the only national flag in the world that is not rectangular or square. The flag is made up of two triangles, one red and one blue.
17. The United Nations has its own flag:
The United Nations has its own flag. The flag, which is blue and white, features the UN’s emblem in the center.
18. The Vatican City has its own flag:
The Vatican City has its own flag. The flag, which is yellow and white, features the Vatican’s coat of arms in the center.
Conclusion:
There are many interesting facts about flags from around the world. Some flags are square or rectangular, while others are more unique shapes. Many flags feature symbols that represent the country's history or culture. The United States has the tallest free-standing flagpole, and Ecuador has the largest hand-painted mural on a flag.
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