Top 10 Countries with the Best National Flag
The top ten best country flags, based on the meaning, design, and how attractive it looks.When you look at this flag, you can see how beautiful it is by its design and the meaning of its symbols. The white moon tells us about purity and freedom, the star about victory, and the red color represents the blood of those who battled and died protecting this beautiful country that is Turkey. For me, this is a truly heroic and meaningful flag that speaks about its country's history and the bravery of its people.
It reminds both Turkish and non-Turkish people how Turkey was formed and what sacrifices were made. The symbols given by the sky show that the universe supports those who are bold and brave. The idea of the flag came on a dark night, where the casualties of Turkish soldiers formed a pond of blood. In this pond, the flamboyant moon and star were reflected. The Turkish flag represents the power of belief, courage, unity, and faith.
There is no other flag that has such true heroic and national meanings in its colors. Only the red of the Turkish flag can describe a nation's whole history from Middle Asia to Anatolia. It has the most beautiful design and the most charming meanings.
I have no bias here, even though I am American. I just genuinely believe that the American flag is beautiful. It is visually pleasing and looks pretty unique, although it does look awfully similar to an Asian country's flag - though I think this is probably a coincidence. The flag is also full of meaning and history, which is always a plus in a nation's flag. In my opinion, it's tied with the Union Jack of Great Britain, which is also beautiful and full of meaning and history, for the title of the best flags in the world. However, you should all have pride in your nation's flag. No one is better, as it's all about history when you think of flags.
The American flag is by far one of the most aesthetically pleasing, if not the most. It also carries a history that most national emblems don't. The 13 stripes represent the original 13 colonies that gained their independence through sacrifice. The 50 stars within the blue chief represent each of the sovereign states within the Union. Even the colors have their own meanings, with justice being a founding virtue of the great republic.
The Union Jack (potential pedants please note that it is still called the Union Jack when not on a ship. If you disagree, please do some actual research rather than repeating what was said to you in a pub). The flag adheres to good vexillological rules of three bold colors and has a very pleasing and balanced asymmetry (wide-wide up at the hoist, or it is upside down!). It is among the best flags due to a level of brand awareness possibly only shared with the Stars & Stripes. Change the colors or change it to black & white, or even put just one half of it on a t-shirt or bag, it is STILL recognizable. This would not work with most other flags unless they had a complex symbol. By the way, if Scotland becomes independent, it will still exist. The first Union Flag existed from 1606 to the political union in 1707 because the countries shared the same monarch from 1603 and will continue to do so.
Bhagwa, or the saffron color, denotes renunciation or disinterestedness. Our leaders must be indifferent to material gains and dedicate themselves to their work. The white in the center represents light, the path of truth to guide our conduct. The green symbolizes our relation to the soil and to plant life, upon which all other life depends.
The "Ashoka Chakra" in the center of the white is the wheel of the law of dharma. Truth, or satya, and dharma, or virtue, should be the controlling principles for those who work under this flag. Furthermore, the wheel denotes motion. There is death in stagnation and life in movement. India should not resist change. It must move and go forward. The wheel represents the dynamism of peaceful change.
The Indian flag has every quality of being aesthetically ideal. It is highly symmetrical, with prominent and contrasting colors. It doesn't have complex, intricate designs that might be hard to see from a distance. The white color, being in the middle, is more likely to be visible than if it were on the border. The central circular wheel adds solidity and substance to the flag, in addition to being highly symmetrical and pleasing to the eye. The green and saffron colors provide an ideal contrast and look refreshing. Additionally, the horizontal stripes make the flag appear more streamlined and as if it's flying away from the mast, unlike vertical stripes, which would make it look fat, heavy, and immobile.
It's all about Canada: not the history or even the people, but the glorious beauty of thousands of miles that fortunate people from all over the world have traveled to in the past, the present, and the future to escape persecution and inequality based on economics, religion, social customs, sexual preferences, gender, or political beliefs. The flag symbolizes the maple tree in the autumn, when its leaves change colors - they are magnificent to behold. It inspires Canadians to remember that all of us matter, not just the few in power. There are no crowns, religious symbols, or historical marks to mar it. It's pure nature and the strength it gives us.
The Canadian flag demonstrates all that is important in providing a symbol for a national flag: it is simple, iconic, and very distinctive. It is recognizable from a distance. It does not rely on colonial ties, such as the old British Empire's Union Jack. It does not use boring stripes or tricolors, which are difficult to understand (I'm looking at you, Germany, Belgium, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, France - although the French get a pass for implementing the Tricolor). It does not have jingoistic or militaristic meanings in its design (e.g., the USA for its obvious background, and China and other Communist flags).
Moreover, it leaves religion out of it, which is critical for an inclusive representation of a nation. There are no crosses (UK, Norway, Sweden, etc.), no crescents (Turkey), and no Stars of David - nothing. It is a beautiful symbol of a united country, which has adopted a natural symbol of a stylized maple leaf (it's not supposed to look exactly like a leaf!) in the middle of a clear plain. This plain represents the land, and it is bordered by red bands representing the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans (A Mari Usque Ad Mare - From Sea to Sea). No, this is not a boring flag at all. It is pretty much the perfect flag!
This flag always catches my attention. I really like its awesome color combination and shape composition. I also think it stands out in the crowd. Thank you very much for sharing the interesting meanings of each color and element in the flag. I never would have suspected that the green and yellow represent the Brazilian Imperial House. Finally, I loved your definition of this flag: "Definitely the best symbol of a nation, with striking and really meaningful colors, reminiscent of the past but minding the future." I also happen to love the British Union Jack, Barbados, and Albania. Thanks again.
Brazilian colors don't have such qualitative symbolism. They are the colors of the imperial house (green and yellow). The blue sphere is actually an armillary sphere depicting the sky over Rio de Janeiro on the night of independence as viewed from space. The stars, in addition to representing celestial bodies visible in that region of space, also represent the states and the federal district. The motto "Order and Progress" originates from the Positivist motto "Love as a principle and order as the basis. Progress as the goal," which was a strong philosophical doctrine among the first republicans.
This flag is definitely the best symbol of a nation, with striking and meaningful colors that are reminiscent of the past but also look to the future.
The Mexican flag not only incorporates beautiful aesthetics but is also entirely grounded in the histories of three peoples: the Natives, the Spaniards, and the Mexican mestizos.
Though the meanings of the colors are often debated, the color green symbolizes the green gemstone jade, which the natives believed to be a symbol for the "present" and all it entails. The white symbolizes religion, brought by the Spaniards and adopted ever since. The red symbolizes the blood of Mexican heroes shed in defense of the nation. The eagle, snake, and cactus represent the Mexica legend of how Tenochtitlan (future Mexico City) was founded.
Few other flags contain as much potent symbolism, and many that do fail to grasp their nation's history in a truly beautiful manner.
I'm Mexican, and I'm from Toluca. What I can say is that our flag is one of the greatest. Many people do not know the meaning behind the flag: the green represents hope, the white represents purity, and the red represents the blood of those who died fighting in our war for independence. The eagle perched on a cactus, eating a serpent, derives from the legend in which the Aztecs were told by the gods to build a city. This city, which is now Mexico City, was to be built on top of a river, where they would later see the eagle on the cactus eating the serpent. I am proud of my country. VIVA MEXICO!
The flag of the Republic of the Philippines is called the Three Stars and a Sun. General Emilio Aguinaldo, the leader of the revolt against Spain, designed the Philippine flag. The equilateral triangle at the hoist signifies equality. Its white color symbolizes purity. The yellow sun represents the significant steps taken by Filipinos in nation-building. The sun's eight rays represent the first eight Filipino provinces to rebel against Spain. The three yellow stars represent the main geographical regions: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The blue stripe stands for peace, truth, and justice. The red stripe symbolizes patriotism and valor. If the Philippines is at war, the national flag is flown upside down with the red band at the top.
Very symbolic, very historical, attractive design, and a colorful flag. Not like other flags, which are boring with only two colors. It seems they didn't put much effort into their flags. It's as if they're too lazy to create something that would represent their country well. The Philippine flag is very special. Just looking at it makes you feel like it represents a beautiful country. It's more flamboyant than any other flag in the world.
Why is Japan not in the top 5? It breaks none of the rules of being a good flag. Only using 2-4 colors from the colors white, red, black, green, yellow, and blue? Check. Can a child draw it from memory? Check. No words? Check. For example, a normal child cannot draw Albania's eagle. Also, can a child draw the sun on the Philippines flag? The same goes for the US and Canada. How can a child draw 50 stars in a small space? And the maple leaf may be hard. Additionally, the Brazilian flag has words in its native language. I didn't mean to offend anyone. At least the Philippines flag has a cool mechanic that requires flipping the flag if the country is at war.
The design is simple, featuring one disc rather than fifty, yet it's significant. It employs the fewest possible interesting colors, and they are good ones too. It's definitely not eye-jarring or cluttered like more complicated flags often are. It even beats Canada's flag.
The flag is the best because it represents the history of a nation. It was first raised by Scanderbeg in 1444 after his return to Albania to halt the Ottoman invasion and unify all Albanian leaders. Since then, the red flag with the black double-headed eagle has symbolized unity among Albanians. This is the flag for which hundreds of thousands of Albanians have given their lives.
What adds to the majesty of this flag is that it's not only the flag of Albania, but also the flag of Albanians. This means it is used not only in Albania but also by Albanians in Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Greece, and in Italy by the Albanian Arbreshes in Calabria and Sicily.
It is officially prohibited in Montenegro and has been burned many times in Macedonia and Serbia for the sole reason that it is sacred to Albanians.
Just learn the history of Albania, and then you will understand the flag. The red color represents the blood that our ancestors have shed for the country in different battles. We are descendants of the Illyrians. We are autochthonous.
Looking at this flag always fills me with great pride, emotion, and shivers. We are not at peace, we are not at war, but we are all from this one and only rainbow nation.
The colors of the flag represent the turbulent history of South Africa.
The black, gold, and green are the Pan-African colors representing Ethiopia, the only African country not to be colonized by Europeans (except for a period by Italy during WWII). The red, white, and blue represent the colors of the flags of the Netherlands and the United Kingdom (Union Jack), as both were colonizers of South Africa.
As for the history, the Dutch colonized the Cape, Britain took over, fought the Boers (Dutch descendants), and created the Dominion/Union of South Africa. This was followed by Apartheid, a move toward equality, and the present day.
I'm Brazilian and think that this is the most beautiful flag out there.
The Welsh flag is the coolest, most bad-ass flag in the world. Come on! It has a big red dragon. Not to mention the history and story behind it. It is mystical, magical, and amazing. I imagine that children all around the world see the flag in an atlas and think, "Wow, where is that place?"
Easily one of the most original flags in the world (most just have stripes and stars), we have a dragon! The symbolism of strength, power, and our historical struggle to be a country and not just part of England is significant. The colors also symbolize the natural beauty of Wales.
Wales should be ranked much higher. It has to be the best flag. It has so much history and also looks great. It's only lower down the list because we have only 3 million people living here.
Fun fact: The modern German flag is similar to the flag of the German Confederation and still has the same meaning. Black represents Prussia, red represents the Hanse, and gold represents the Holy Roman Empire. Combined, these three colors signify a democratic German state in which everyone could live in peace.
Fun Fact 2: The flag of the German Empire was essentially the flag of the North German Confederation. The colors had specific meanings: Black represented Prussia, white represented unity between all states, and red represented the Hanse.
This flag is one of the most encouraging, simple flags on Earth. All of the colors work together perfectly and portray both the former beauty of the Fatherland and the people's present-day integrity, kindness, and pride.
This is the best flag. I'm American, and the German flag is so beautiful with its favorite colors. Germany has the most beautiful flag in the world. Go Germany!
It is the one nation that can represent folklore while still maintaining beauty and near-simplicity. It is similar to Wales as well, both of which are really cool flags. I hope you vote for them.
It is a sovereign nation with a dragon holding power orbs. Bhutan's name in its native language is "Land of the Thunder Dragon." How cool is that?
This flag is awesome. A giant, fire-breathing dragon - I mean, come on!
Great flag with great meaning and shape.
The blue border symbolizes the peace and harmony that have been prevalent in the country since the age of Gautama Buddha, who was born in Nepal. The crimson red is Nepal's national color, and it indicates the brave spirits of the Nepalese people. The two triangles symbolize the Himalaya Mountains and represent the two major religions, Hinduism and Buddhism.
The red triangular flag has been a Hindu symbol of victory since the time of the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The depiction of celestial bodies represents permanence, the hope that Nepal will last as long as the sun and the moon. The moon symbolizes that the Nepalese are soothing and calm, while the sun symbolizes fierce resolve. The moon also represents the cool weather and shades of the Himalayas, whereas the sun symbolizes the heat and high temperature at the lower part (Tarai) of Nepal.
Another interpretation: The flag's shape symbolizes a Nepalese pagoda. Putting a mirror at the side of the flag closest to the flagpole will generate an image of a pagoda.
Unfortunately, this country may be underwater in the future due to climate change and global warming. However, they were the first nation to enter the new millennium, which actually started in 2001.
If this list were purely based on aesthetics, there's no way it would be outside the top 5.
I've never seen this one before. Now I'm having second thoughts.
White is a traditional color of the Korean people. The emblem in the center of the South Korean flag represents the dual forces of yin (blue) and yang (red). The yin and yang balance each other and maintain a harmonious existence by being complementary opposites: positive and negative, active and passive, male and female, night and day, good and evil, and so on. Yin is the passive or static mode, and yang is the active or dynamic mode. The trigrams represent the elements of fire, water, earth, wood, and metal.
Throughout its entire history, Korea has never been a colony of China. The flag is well-designed from the aspect of modern design, I think. Gorgeous!
It shows the balance in life. It should be among the top flags because it is simple but represented well.
Green represents our hope, which led the country to discover South America and be the first to navigate across Africa with the purpose of reaching India. Red represents the blood of those who died for the country, like when we helped Europe by expelling Muslims from Spain. It's a great combination of colors with a beautiful symbol. Simply the best. The ones on top are only there because there are more people from their countries.
The Portuguese flag is very underrated in Europe because of the historical background embedded in the coat of arms. Many European flags have had their coat of arms removed or simplified, but Portugal is one of the few countries that refuses to strip the coat of arms from their flag. The only downside this beautiful flag has is that it doesn't look quite good when it's rotated.
It's like Christmas every day with that flag. I've always loved the Portuguese flag.
It's cool-looking, but I think the flag of Spain from right after the Spanish Revolution is way cooler.
I really like it. It's bright, colorful, and strong! The coat of arms also looks very good on the red and yellow background. It gives off a royal vibe.
Now, THAT is one country to vote for.
The blue in the Greek flag represents the sea and the sky. The white represents purity and freedom, as well as the cleansing of the soul. The cross symbolizes religion. The flag has nine lines to represent the phrase "Freedom or Death," coined during independence from the Ottomans. It also represents the nine muses of Greek mythology.
I'm not a Greek national, but I believe the Greek flag should be number one. It has very friendly colors, only uses two colors, and features a very complex yet simple design. It has a canton in the upper left corner for hanging, looks great in icons or pictograms, and is easy to recognize. It stands out and is very unique. The stripes make the flag easier to sew, and once sewn, it becomes even more beautiful. When you go shopping for souvenirs, buy a Greek flag too!
This flag is straight-up genius. Place it vertically, and it becomes columns. Raise it skyward, and it becomes one with the clouds. Hoist it on a ship, and it becomes one with the waves. By its very nature, it comes into contact with what it's meant to represent: the sea, the sky, and the light of Greece. It becomes one with all of them. It's absolutely magical.
The Pakistani flag has a wisdom behind its colors and design. The green color shows the Muslim majority and prosperity, while the white color shows the prosperity of minorities. The crescent represents progress, and the five-pointed star represents light and knowledge. The Pakistani flag has deep meaning and looks so cool.
The importance of the flag of Pakistan is not just confined to being a so-called "flag." It is a source of unity, peace, brotherhood, and fraternity. The green color shows the power of Muslims, the white part shows that non-Muslims are also given due protection and rights, while the crescent and star show the patriotism, love, and honesty of the people toward Pakistan. Pakistan's flag is deeper than it looks! No country in the world can compare its flag to the flag of Pakistan. Pakistan Zindabad!
Because I have seen it many times in research, the Pakistani National Anthem, with its meaning and lyrics, is ranked number 1 in the world by outlets like the BBC and The New York Times. Although Pakistan is considered a terrorist state due to the international Cold War, the meaning of the national flag is very clear. Pakistan is an Islamic country, and the majority of Pakistanis are Muslim. In the Pakistani flag, the green part represents Muslims and the white represents non-Muslims. The star means we are united, and the moon signifies that we are helpful to other nations.
Norwegians have the most beautiful nature, midnight sun, and northern lights, but they also have a gorgeous flag. It's like some sort of Union Jack in a way, with a Danish and a Finnish flag combined. It's even more beautiful when it's completely sewn.
I honestly love all the Scandinavian flags, but I think Norway has a really nice color combination with the navy, white, and red. Yes, these colors are used in many other countries, but for some reason, Norway stands out to me.
Such a neat design. Excellent composition. Good color contrast. Bold appearance. It's the best and looks cool on outdoor gear. My number one.
I like the contrast between the sky blue, white, and the yellow of the sun. For me, this is the most beautiful and jazzy, followed by the Spanish and Brazilian flags.
Argentina's flag is light blue and white, often seen with a sun in the middle. Tradition says that Manuel Belgrano, the flag's creator, was inspired by the cloudy sky.
I don't know why this is so low on the list. The sky blue makes it look very friendly and pleasing to the eyes, and the beautiful Sun of May is the finishing touch. I love this flag.
Pretty good flag. I think it's nice-looking, but there could be so much more to it than just a sun and water.