Flag FAQ
What is vexillology?
Vexillology is the scholarly study of flags, their history, symbolism and design. The word was coined in 1957 by the American Whitney Smith, who also designed the flag of Guyana and founded the first journal of flag studies. Practitioners analyze proportions, color systems, heraldic inheritance and the grammar of national and subnational banners.
Which national flag is the oldest?
The Dannebrog of Denmark is generally credited as the oldest national flag still in use. According to legend it fell from the sky during a battle in Estonia in 1219, and documented use dates to the 14th century. The red and white bands of Austria and the saltire of Scotland also trace their origins to medieval tradition.
Which countries have square flags?
Switzerland and Vatican City are the only two sovereign states with square national flags. The Swiss flag is a white Greek cross on red, while the Vatican flag divides gold and white vertical bands beneath the crossed keys of Saint Peter and the papal tiara.
Are there any identical national flags?
Indonesia and Monaco fly the same red over white design, differing only in proportions. The flags of Romania and Chad are also effectively identical blue, yellow and red vertical tricolors, a coincidence that has prompted occasional diplomatic discussion. The Netherlands and Luxembourg differ only in the shade of blue and their proportions.
What is the most common color on national flags?
Red is the most common color, appearing on roughly three quarters of all national flags, usually standing for blood, courage or struggle. White follows on about two thirds, then blue. Purple remains the rarest color, appearing on only a handful of designs such as the parrot of Dominica and the rainbow of Nicaragua.
Which country has a non rectangular flag?
Nepal is the only country whose national flag is not rectangular. It is formed of two stacked crimson pennants with a blue border, bearing the symbols of the moon and the sun. The constitution of Nepal prescribes the exact geometric construction of the double pennant.