Top 10 Countries with the Best National Flag

When you look at this flag you can see how beautiful it by its design and the meaning of its simbols. The white moon that tells us about purity, freedom, the star about victory and the red color represents the blood of those who battle and died protecting this beautiful country that it is Turkey. For me this a truly heroic meaningful flag that talks about its country history and the bravery of its people.

It reminds the Turkish & Non-Turkish people how Turkey is 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 casualties of Turkish soldiers formed a pond of blood, in which the flamboyant moon and star was reflected. Turkish flag represents the power of belief,courage,unity, and faith.

There is no such flag that has a true heroic and national meanings in its colors, only the Turkish flag's red can describe a nation's whole history from Middle Asia to Anatolia... The most beautiful design and the most charming meanings!

Turks used to worship the sky itself and thus, objects in the sky were sacred for them. So I believe this is also an influence: Our shamanistic ancestors that lived in Central Asia thought the "red" and "moon" to be symbols of the "west".

So, yes, blood of martyrs, crescent and star... And the arrangement of these are so elagant that one is amazed at how can such a basical design be so impressive.

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, though it does look awfully simililar to an Asian country's flag, though I think this is probably a coincidence. It is also so full of meaning and history of our origins. Which is always a plus in a nation's flag. I think this and the Union Jack of Great Britain (also beautiful and full of meaning and history) are tied in the best flags in the world. But, you should all have pride in your nation's flag, no one is better it is all about historics when you think of flags

The American flag is by far one of the most aesthetically pleasing if not the most. It also captures with it a history that most national emblems don't, the 13 stripes represent the original 13 colonies that gained their independence through sacrifice and within the blue chief the 50 stars represents each of the sovereign states within the union. Even the colors have their own meaning, justice being a founding virtue of the great republic.

It's alright but it doesn't deserve 2. If this was the flag of some South Asian country or somewhere in West Africa, it wouldn't be this high. Most of the votes are coming from Americans who are told their whole lives that their flag is the greatest and whatever. Constant salutes, pledges of allegiance and flag raising ceremonies all for some average looking piece of cloth. There are many flags better than this and Turkey (which is #1 at the moment)

The United States of America's flag, (Also known as "The stars and Stripes) is another very famous flag. The 50 stars represent the 50 states, and the 13 stripes represent the 13 ORIGINAL states. The blue background of the stars represents the azure sky and love for god. The red stripes represent courage, enthusiasam, valor, blood and life. The white stripes represent purity, and peace.

Without doubt the most iconic symbol throughout the world for nearly 300 years, the union flag is unrivalled in its beauty and symbolism. It has not been created by clever men to symbolise invented hereditary as others have, it actually comes from the history of a group of united nations, the sum of which are far greater than the constituent parts - may it survive another 300 years and more.

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 keeps to good vexilogical rules of three bold colours 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 colours 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 become 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.

Whoever said that the United Kingdom is in Great Britain knows very little about either of them. The flag is called the Union Jack but it's the flag of the United Kingdom (the country). Great Britain is the largest island within the United Kingdom and also uses the Union Jack as it's flag.

You can see the Union Jack design almost everywhere in the world, on clothing, furniture, transportation, etc And don't even argue that the other flags have the same appearing frequency 'cause they don't. Also, it represents the union of the countries making up the UK, so score for both beauty and meaning!

Bhagwa or the saffron colour denotes renunciation or disinterestedness. Our leaders must be indifferent to material gains and dedicate themselves to their work. The white in the centre is light, the path of truth to guide our conduct. The green shows our relation to (the) soil, our relation to the plant life here, on which all other life depends. The "Ashoka Chakra" in the centre of the white is the wheel of the law of dharma. Truth or satya, dharma or virtue ought to be the controlling principle of those who work under this flag. Again, the wheel denotes motion. There is death in stagnation. There is life in movement. India should no more resist change, it must move and go forward. The wheel represents the dynamism of a peaceful change.

One of the flags which has every quality of being an ideal flag aesthetically. A highly symmetric flag with prominent and contrasting colour. It doesn't have complex intricate designs which may not be visible from distance. Also the white colour being in middle is more likely to be visible than being at border. The central circular wheel provides solidity and substance to the flag in addition to being highly symmetrical and pleasing to eyes. The green and saffron colour provide ideal contrast and looks refreshing. Also the horizontal strips makes the flag look more streamlined and flying away from mast rather than vertical strips which would make it look fat and heavy and immobile.

Indian flag is neither about struggle, nor bloodshed, animals, birds or anything that denotes territorial ethos. It denotes inclusion, a state of being and concern for all. I have nothing to do with your opinion about this country but just think about it. Saffron, not red, is the colour on the top. You might have seen Asian monks wearing something of that colour. This denotes sacrifice and need-based consumption. White, undoubtedly denotes peace, purity and expanse. Green, well long before the words like sustainable growth, eco friendly, high yield crops, etc. became FADs, India had the foresight to have environment and agriculture high on priority. The wheel at centre, apart from motion, also denotes focus.

The three colors of Indian flag represents the three main qualities Indians have... Bhagva or Saffron represents the bravery, courage and leadership, White represents that we, The Indians are peace-loving, and Green represents our agriculture growth and happiness... The blue Wheel with 24 spokes, called "Ashok Chakra" defines that we are progressing at any instant of time... so, The Indian Flag is The Best Flag in The World.

It's all about Canada, not the history, not even the people but the glorious, beauty of thousands of miles that lucky people from all over the world have come 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. It symbolizes the maple tree in the autumn when they change their colours - they are magnificent to behold. It inspires Canadians to remember that it's all of us that matter not just the few in power. No crowns, religious symbols, histories to mar it. 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, very distinctive. It is recognizable from a distance. It does not rely on colonial ties such as the old British Empire union jack; it does not use boring stripes or tricolours 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 Tricoleur) It does not have jingoistic or militaristic meanings in its design (er - USA for its obvious background & China and other Communist flags). It doesn't contain any complicated heraldry such as Monaco. And most importantly, it leaves religion out of it. this is critical to be an inclusive representation of a nations, there are no crosses (UK, Norway, Sweden etc ) no crescents (Turkey ) 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 ...more

There is no other flag in this world that stands out like the Canadian flag. When traveling throughout the world, many Americans will wear this symbol so they can be safe from threats that would come if they wore their stars & stripes. The Canadian flag is very new (1965) but it has been flown in every corner of the planet and has been the symbol of peace, friendliness and honour.
May she always fly free.

Representing the 2nd Largest Country in the World, Canada's Maple Leaf flag has been in use for just over 50 years. Replacing Canada's Colonial Flag that included the flag of the U.K., the Maple Leaf flag is how Canada represents itself. The Maple Leaf is a common symbol of Canada and Maple Syrup (from a Maple Type Tree with the Maple Leaf) is a common condiment for foods in Canada like Pancakes.

This flag always catches my attention. I really like its awesome colors combination and shapes composition. I, too, think it stands in the crowd. Thank you very much for sharing the interesting meanings of each color and elements in the flag. Not in a million years I'd suspect 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 the future". I also happen to love the British Union Jack, Barbados and Albania. Thanks again.

Brazilian colours have no such qualitative symbology, they are the colours of the imperial house (Green and Yellow) with the blue sphere being, in fact an armilary sphere showing the sky in Rio de Janeiro at the night of independence saw from space. The stars, beside being the stars that can be seen in that corner of space also represent the sates and the federal district. The motto (Order and Progress) comes 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.

Definitely the best symbol of a nation, with striking and really meaningful colours, reminiscent of the past but minding the future.

The Brazilian Flag is buzzing with symbolism. Green and yellow sybolises the heritage inhertited from the empire of brazil. The imperial coat of arms is replaced with a globe of the night sky with 27 stars and a banner of the motto over it. The stars, whose position in the flag reflect the sky over Rio de Janeiro on November 15, 1889, represent the union's federated units - each star representing a specific state, plus one for the Federal District.

Definitely the best thought out design for a national flag. (combines the idea of the australian/new zealand southern cross and american stars for states)

The coulours of brazilian flags are meaningful:

1. The green represents all forest of Brazil. Brazil has the greatest of all forest in the world, the Amazon.
2. The yellow represents all gold extracted in the colonial age by the Portuguese empire. Brazil was one of the greatest gold producers in 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.
3. The blue represents our sky, clear and blue all year (because we are a tropical country)
4. The white stars represents all states from Brazil...

The Mexican flag owes its origins to an Aztec legend. According to the legend, the leader of a nomadic tribe was visited by a god named Huitzilopochtli in a dream. The leader was told by the god that the tribe would come across an eagle, perched on a cactus, devouring a snake, and that would be the place where they would need to build their empire. This place was Mexico city and the indigenous built Tenochtitlan, the oldest piramids in Mexico.

The Mexican flag not only incorporates beautiful aesthetics, but is entirely grounded on the histories of of three peoples, the Natives, the Spaniards, and the Mexican mestizos.

Though the colors' meanings 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 involves. 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. I'm from Toluca, and what I can say is our flag is one of the greatest. Many people do not know the meaning behind the flag, as the green represents hope, the white represents purity, and the red represents the blood of those who dies fighting in our war for independence. The eagle perched above on a cactus eating a serpent derives from the legend in where the Aztecs were told by the Gods to build a city (Which is Mexico City) on top of the river, where they later see the eagle on the cactus eating the serpent. I am proud of my country. VIVA MEXICO!

The meaning of the Royal Eagle in the flag is the legend of the Aztecs, whose god ordered them to settle there where they could see an eagle eating a snake on top of a cactus in an islet that was on a lake, where they found it was where nowadays is Mexico City. The green Part represents Independence an Hope, the white part represents Purity, and the red part is the Blood of the National Heroes. As a Mexican I love my flag and think it is awesome.

The Republic of the Philippines' flag is called the 'Three Stars and a Sun'. General Emilio Aguinaldo, leader of the revolt against Spain, designed Philippines' flag. The equilateral triangle at the hoist denotes equality. Its white color symbolizes purity. The yellow sun stands for the giant steps made by Filipinos in building a nation. The sun's eight rays represent the first eight Filipino provinces to rebel against Spain. The tree 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 Philippines is at war, the national flown upside down with the red band at top.

Very symbolic, very historical, very attractive, perfect design, and colorful flag. Not like others which is so boring flags with two kinds of colors only. They don't give more efforts on their flags. It's like they are so lazy of something that would represent their country. The Philippines flag is very special. Just looking at it, would make you feel like it's a beautiful country. Very flamboyant than any other flag in the world.

The Philippine flag was designed by our very first president Emilio Aguinaldo, and was sewn by Marcela Marino de Agoncillo, Lorenza Agoncillo, and Delfina Herbosa de Natividad in Hong Kong and first flown in battle on May 28, 1898. The Triangle in the flag represents equality to all people, the Sun represents the the giant steps made by Filipinos in building a nation. The 8 rays of the sun stands for the the first eight Filipino provinces to rebel against Spain, the 3 stars represents the 3 main islands of the Philippines called Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, the white color represents the purity of the Filipinos hearts, the red color represents braveness and war, and finally the blue color means peace and justice..

A sun with 8 rays represents/refers to revolutionary places/city (Manila, Quezon, etc.) and three stars represents the three groups of islands (Luzon, Visayas, & Mindanao). The flag also have blue and red. Red in the bottom represents patroism and blue represents truth. Plus, white symbolises peace. It's an underrated country (and forgettable) but this flag will be remained kept to this day. American Flags somehow the same characteristics of the Philippine flag (stars, red and white stripes, blue) except the sun.

Why is Japan not in 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. While for example, Albania's eagle cannot be drawn from a normal child. Also, can a child draw the Philippines flag's sun and a child and same goes with the US and Canada. How can a child draw 50 stars in a small space? And the maple leaf may be hard. Also, the Brazil flag has some words in its native language.Sorry if I offended anyone. I didn't mean it because at least Philippines flag has a cool mechanic that if there is a war including the Philippines, then you should flip its flag.

Simple (one disc, not fifty! ) yet significant design. Fewest possibly interesting colours, and good ones, too. Definitely not eye-jarring or cluttered like more complicated flags often are. Beats even Canada.

I love Japan I am so surpiesed right know. I love the red circle and they are the same as China. I wish I could have Japanese eyes so I could be part of Japan and see the big red tower in Tokyo. Japan is my favorite country. I will not say no to Japan

Japan is the perfect country and everyone that has been to Japan is perfect. Like they are too happy and I think I should kill myself

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 Colour represent the turbulent history of South Africa.
The Black, Gold and Green are the Pan-African Colours representing Ethiopia, the only African country to not be colonised by Europeans. (Except Italy, during WW2). The Red, White and Blue represent the Colours of the flags of the Netherlands and the United Kingdom (Union Jack), as both were colonisers of South Africa.

History (The Dutch colonised the Cape, Britain took over, fought Boers (Dutch-descendants), created the Dominion/Union of South Africa, Apartheid, Equality, and Present.)

I'm Brazilian and think that is the most beautiful flag out there.

Makes me wipe away a tear of pride, especially when I see it abroad.

Fun fact: the modern german flag is similar to the flag of the german confederation and has still the same meaning: Black=Prussia Red=The Hanse and Gold=The Holy Roman Empire these 3 colors combined have the meaning of an democratic german state in wich everyone could live in peace.

Fun Fact 2: the flag of the german empire was nothing but the flag of the north-german confederation wich had the meaning of a united and strong Germany ,the colors had the meaning: Black=Prussia White=Unity Between ALL States and Red=The Hanse.

This flag is one of the most encouraging, simple flags on Earth. All of the colors work to gether perfectly and portray the former beauty of the Fatherland as well as the people's present-day integrity, kindness and pride.

This is the best flag I'm american and the german is so beautiful with the favorite colors Germany is the most beautiful flag in the world Go Germany!

Really, it is beautiful. You have got to be brave to put black as your primary color, but it works for them.

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! Symbolism of strength, power and our historical struggle to be a country and not just be England. The colours as well symbolise the natural beauty of Wales.

Wales should be much higher. It has to be the best flag, it has so much history, and it also looks great. Its only lower down because we only have 3 million people living here.

Just compare with the Great Britain flag - how can the Welsh flag be rated lower? Fantastic colors and imagery make it unique and clearly the best in the World!

It is the One nation that can represent folklore and still maintain beauty and near-simplicity. It is similar to Wales as well and Both of which are really cool flags I would hope you vote for.

It is a sovereign nation with a dragon holding power orbs, Bhutan's name in it's 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!

So beautiful but lots of other flags are great.

Great flag with great meaning and shape.

The blue border symbolizes the peace and harmony that has been prevalent in the country since the age of Gautama Buddha, who was born in Nepal. The crimson red is Nepal's national colour, 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 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 symbolizes the shades and the cool weather of the Himalayas, whereas the sun symbolizes the heat and the high temperature at the lower part (Tarai) of Nepal. Another interpretation: The flag's shape symbolizes a Nepalese pagoda. Putting a mirror at the ...more

Come on guys why isn't this intriguing flag number 1 it has every thing to be number 1.
First it doesn't have the same rectangular flag that all countries utilized shows the unique quality of Nepal.

Second this flag has solid meaning to the symbols it represents 2 main religion in Nepal which are respectfully Hinduism and Buddhism.

Third Nepalese flag is mathematically the hardest flag to draw.

Fourth the sun also symbolises how Nepalese never gives up or quits or dies out like the sun.

Nepali flag is the only bi triangular shape flag in the whole world.
The blue border symbolizes peace and harmony.
The crimson red indicates the brave spirits of the Nepalese people.
The two triangles symbolize the Himalaya Mountains.
The depiction of celestial bodies (Sun and Moon) represents permanence, Nepal will be there as the sun and the moon.
Many historic archaeological buildings have two gold plated pennon flag which is evidence of bi triangular flag in Nepal, Nepalese flag is believed to have origin from the ancestral time, at least more than 2000 years ago.

Nepal has the most unique and beautiful flag in the world which has a lot of meaning for it's colour and shape. The colours red, blue and white symbolize peace, bravery, chivalry and unity. The moon and sun mean that Nepal will remain until the very end of the universe. It is a very proud thing to have such a great flag.

Unfortunately this Country maybe 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 the 2001.

If this list was purely based on aesthetics, there no way it would be outside the top 5.

Never seen this one before... Now I'm having second thoughts.

Kiribati has one of the prettiest flags!

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 colourful and strong! And also the coat of arm looks very good on the red and yellow background. It also gives out a royal vibe to it

Now THAT is one country to vote for.

All time classic.

Green represents our hope, that lead the country to discover South America and the first who navigated across Africa with the purpose of reaching India, Red represents the blood of the ones who died for the country, like when we helped Europe by expelling the Muslims out of Spain. A great combination of colours with a beutiful symbol. Simply the best. the ones on top are only there because there are more people from their countries...

very underrated European flag because of the historical embedded background of the coat of arms. Many European flags have their coat of arms removed or simplified, but Portugal is one of the few standing who refuse to strip the coat of arms from their flag.the only downside this beautiful flag has that it doesn't look quite good when it's rotated.

It's Christmas Everyday with that flag. Love the Portuguese flag, always have.

Such beauty. The sight of this flag makes me long for my homeland.

White is a traditional color of the Korean people. The emblem in the centre 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 the active or dynamic mode. The trigrams represent the elements of fire, water, earth, wood, and metal.

For entire history, Korea never have been a colony of China.
The flag is well designed in the aspect of modern design, I think.
Gorgeous!

One of the best flags in the world. So symbolic, a simple colour scheme of red, blue, white and black.

Should be above Japan it is only because Japan is more popular.

The importance of the flag of Pakistan is not just confined to a so called "flag"...it is a source of unity, peace, brotherhood and fraternity. The green colour shows the power of Muslims, the white part shows that the non-Muslims are also given due protection and rights while the cresent and star shows the patriotism, love and honesty of the people to Pakistan! Pakistan's flag is deeper than it looks! No country in the World can compare it's flag to the flag of Pakistan! Pakistan Zindabad!

Because of I see many time in research Pakistani National Anthem with meaning and lyrics is number 1 in the world BBC,New york Times said.
Although Pakistan is a terrorist state due to international cold war but the meaning of national flag is very clear Because of pakistan is a Islamic country and majority of pakistani are muslim. In Pakistani Flag the Green Part represent the Muslim and White Non Muslim, Star means we are Unite and Moon meanings that we are helpful for other nation.

Pakistan is a wonderful place, you might think people are terrorist but they are wonderful people they make you feel welcome and the places in Pakistan are so beautiful,the people are just poor and they have bad condition otherwise they would be perfect. Pakistani people are beautiful.I went there for two weeks and I now want to stay there forever it is stunning.

One of the best flags.pakistan flag is very beautiful.The green represents Islam and the majority Muslims in Pakistan and the white stripe represents religious minorities and minority religions. In the centre, the crescent and star symbolizes progress and light respectively. The flag symbolizes Pakistan's commitment to Islam and the rights of religious minorities.

The blue in the Greek flag represents the sea and the sky. The white represents the purity for freedom and the cleansing of the soul. The cross is for the religion. It has 9 lines to represent the phrase " Freedom or Death" during independence from the Ottomans. It also represents the 9 muses of Greek mythology

not a Greek national here but the Greek flag would be no 1. Very friendly colours, only usage of two colours, very complex yet simple design, canton in the upper left corner for hanging, looks great in icons or pictograms, easy to recognize, stands out and very unique. The stripes make the flag easier to sew and when sewn it's 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 skywards and it becomes one with the clouds. Hoist it on a ship and it becomes one with the waves. Βy its very nature it comes in contact with what it's meant to represent. The sea, the sky and the light of Greece, and it becomes one with all of them. It's absolutely magical.

It's the most elegant, peaceful and harmonious flag there is in the world these days. It fits perfectly with the beauty of the sky and its surroundings, no matter the weather.

Norwegians have the most beautiful nature, midnight sun and northern lights, but also 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 is 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 colour contrast. Bold appearance. The best. And cool on outdoor gear. My no ONE.

I love the red and white and all the jazzy colours come together. Norway should be at the top because it's nice.

I like the contrast between the sky blue, white and the yellow of the sun. For me is the most beautiful and jazzy and then the Spanish and Brazilian flags.

Argentina's flag is light blue and white, many times seen with a sun in the middle. Tradition says Manuel Belgrano, the flag creator, was inspired on the cloudy sky.

don't know why this is so low on the list. The sky blue make it look very friendly and pleasing to the eyes and the beautiful Sun of May is the finishing touch. I love this flag.

June 20: Argentinian flag day!

Pretty good flag, I think it's nice looking, But there could be just SO more to it than a sun and water...