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Flags - Origin and evolutions.

The creation of this page was spurred by the flags shown on my Site Map page.
My interest in the symbology used grew from my efforts listing telegrams and other thelegraph stationery that often showed the Coat of Arms of that country.
The symbology on those were more nationalistic than was normal on postage or telegraph stamps, perhaps due to UPU restrictions.
Many of them are covered in my section on Telegram Seals, see Contents for an index of them.

I will try to list them in some sort of logical order, but clicking on what you want in this (sortable) list might help.

 

From 1801

GB The current Union Jack is composed of the Saint George Cross for England, the Saint Andrew Cross for Scotland, and the Saint Patrick Cross for Ireland.

Saint George Cross

Saint Andrew Cross

Saint Patrick Cross

Prior to that (from 1606 to 1801) the red diagonal rays of Ireland were absent. Further information can be found at Britannica.com.

 

September 1963 onwards

Jersey The current flag is a combination of the red Cross of St. Patrick, with the English Coat of Arms and a Plantagenet crown. I dates from 7 April 1981

Further information can be found at Britannica.com and FlagsDB.com

 

from 9 May 1985

Guernsey, The current flag was created in 1985 from the Saint George Cross with the addition of a yellow cross derived from a flag of William I shown on the Bayeux Tapestry. Red ensigns were also created showing the gold cross.

Saint George Cross

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , Eh.Lenin.ru , FlagsDB.com and DetailedPedia.com

 

From 1966 onwards

Isle of Man Called the Manx triskelion, the basic design is very old, 13th cwentury or earlier. The version shown is one standardized in 1966, but similar versions have been flying since 1932. For naval purposes, a red ensign with triskelion is used.

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , Eh.Lenin.ru and DetailedPedia.com

 

From 1964

Malta Though Malta has had many emblems and unofficial flags over the centuries, it was not until Malta became independent on September 21, 1964 that it had a National flag. The red and white possibly come from the Knights of Malta, who used a red flag with a white cross. Alternatively they may both have had the same source. The flag carries a representation of the George Cross granted by King George VI for heroic defense of Malta during World War II. Before independence, the cross had a blue background.

1943 - 1964

George Cross

Further information can be found at Britannica.com and FlagsDB.com .

 

Ireland Though several other flags have been flown, this is the only currently official flag of Ireland. It dates from 1848 when it was used by the "Young Ireland movement", opposing British rule. The green (emerald?) for the Roman Catholics, orange for the Protestants and white for hoped-for peace between them.

Further information can be found at Britannica.com and FlagsDB.com.

 

From 4 July 1960

USA The current US flag is composed of a blue rectangle at top-left containing 50 white stars, one for each state. There are 13 stripes, 7 red and 6 white. This has evolved from the first US flag of 1777 that had 13 stars in a circle along with 13 stripes representing the 13 states original states. Prior to that, George Washington flew a similar flag, but with the, then current Union Jack at top-left, which was without the Irish stripes.

13-star "Betsy Ross"

Further information can be found at Britannica.com and 247wallst.com.

 

1995 onwards

Puerto Rico The current flag was originally "designed" in December 1895 by switching the red and blue colours on the flag of Cuba. In July 1952 Puerto Rico became a “freely associated state” within the United States of America. To celebrate, the flag got a slight change of shades and became officially recognized. In August 1995 the flag got some brighter shades.

Cuban Flag

1895 - 1952

1952 - 1995

Further information can be found at Britannica.com and FlagsDB.com

 

From 20 May 1902

Cuba Though there have been a few revolutionery flag proposals, the only real official flag before the current one have been Spanish, the Burgundy Cross of the Viceroyalty of New Spain and the flag of Spanish America.

Spanish 1521-1843

Spanish 1843-1898

Further information can be found at FlagsDB.com and DetailedPedia.com

 

Current from 1998

Philippines The US flag (45 to 48 stars) was used from 1901 to 1912, but Philippines had already gained indepence from Spain. Aguinaldo created the first version of the modern flag in 1898 with a face on the sun and red at the top, it was then used from 1901-7 with blue at the top until the USA invaded and suppressed it from 1907 to 1919. The Japanese attacked December 1941 and their flag was used in 1942. Since then the Philippine flag has flown though with various shades of blue.

Tagalog People 1897

Aguinaldo 1898 - 1901

1985 - 1986

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , FlagsDB.com , EdArabia.com and PhilinLove.com

 

From 1965

Canada The current Canadian flag dates only from 1965, but is already iconic. The maple leaf has been a symbol of Canada since the 19th century and was part of the Coat of Arms granted in 1921 by King George V which formed part of the previous flag. That Coat of Arms includes symbols of England, Scotland, Ireland and France, together with a sprig of 3 maple leaves at the bottom.

Canadian Red Ensign

Coat of Arms

1907 - 21

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , Eh.Lenin.ru and the Government of Canada.

 

From 8 December 1908.

Australia The current Australian flag dates from 1901 (though originally with a 6-pointed Commonwealth Star) and is based on the Blue Ensign, with the Union Jack, four 7-pointed stars and a small 5-pointed star in the shape of the Southern Cross constellation plus a single large “Commonwealth Star” representing the six Australian states and the Northern Territory, originally 6-pointed, now 7-pointed.

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , DetailedPedia.com and the Government of Australia.

 

New Zealand The first National flag, called the United Tribes flag, was created by a group of Maori leaders to fulfil a requirement that trading ships should fly the flag of their country. From 1840 to 1867 the Union Jack was used by NZ for that purpose. From January 1867 to 1869 a flag similar to the modern one with red letters "NZ" with a white border in place of the stars was used. After 1869, the "NZ" started to get replaced by four red stars representing the Southern Cross, but that was not officially adopted until June 1902.

1834 - 1840

Further information can be found at Britannica.com and FlagsDB.com .

 

Germany Flags of these colours have been used on and off from 1832, with the German Empire being created in 1871 and flags in the current form with equal width of black, red and yellow from about 1918. The colors are meant to symbolize unity, with the colours representing the democratic, centrist, and republican.

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , DetailedPedia.com and FlagsWorld.org .

 

Netherlands Historically, from the days of William of Orange, the Dutch flags have been orange, white and blue. The change of orange to red was at about 1660. After their revolution, the French considered red, white and blue to be the “colours of liberty”. The Dutch flag remained the same throughout the annexation by France from 1810 to 1813.

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , DetailedPedia.com and FlagPedia.net .

 

from 25 November 1975

Suriname, The country was very multi-ethic from early times with strong British and Dutch influence. With neighboring French Guyana, The French/Dutch Tricolour was used from 1816 to 1959 when Suriname became an autonomous territory under Dutch rule. Susequently when it became independent in 1975, a new flag was chosen by a competition. It may yet change again.

1816-1959

1959-1975

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , Eh.Lenin.ru , FlagsDB.com and DetailedPedia.com

 

From 13 June 1985

Sint Maarten, (Dutch part), Part of the island of St. Maarten was owned by the Netherlands and flew the flag of the Netherlands. The other part is French. It later became part of the Netherlands Antilles and also could fly that flag from its introduction in 1959. However there was a feeling that it should have its own flag. On Nov. 17, 1982 it gained a Coat of Arms, which was displayed on their new flag introduced 13 June 1985. Sint Maarten became an autonomous state of the Netherlands upon the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles on 10 October 2010.

Until 1985

1959-2010

Further information can be found at Britannica.com and Sint-Maarten.net

 

From 1991 Russia This flag has been used in Russia since before 1700, though fell out of favour during Soviet days. Similarly, there was a change to black-yellow-white from 1865 to 1896. Then Tsar Nicholas II reinstated it, with the colors declared as red for “statehood”, azure for the patronage of the God Mother, and white for freedom and independence. The Soviet era, of 15 republics, lasted from 1917 to 1991, followed by the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) . Various arms could be added appropriately during different periods. The current Russian Federation consists of 83 federal entities, of which 21 are Republics with their own constitutions, flags and official languages: Adygea, Altai, Bashkortostan, Buryatia, Dagestan, Chechnya, Chuvashia, Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, Kalmykia, Karachay-Cherkessia, Karelia, Khakassia, Komi, Mari El, Mordovia, North Ossetia-Alania, Sakha, Tatarstan, Tuva and Udmurtia. 1865 - 1896 Soviet flag 1918-91 RSFSR 1918 RSFSR 1918-21 RSFSR 1921-37 RSFSR 1937-52 RSFSR 1952-91 Arms 1918-21 Arms 1921-78 Arms 1978-91

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , eh.Lenin.ru , MeetRussiaOnline.com , thoughtco.com and Tripod.com

 

1848-1929, 1991 onwards

Ukraine The current flag dates from 1848, though the colours have been the same from 1410. The area is desirable property and very much in demand. Ukraine is rarely independent for long. As part of the Soviet Union it had 3 flags, the last having a blue stripe.

1929 - 1937

1937 - 1949

1949 - 1991

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , EuroMaidanPress.com and FlagsDB.com.

 

1918-1940, 1990 onwards Estonia Estonia was a province of the Russian Empire from 1721 to 1918 with its own Arms. It 1918 it became a Baltic Dutchy. Communists in Estonia created the Estland Labour Commune until Germany invaded and disbanded it. This flag was first used by Estonian Student Society in Tartu. It became popular and became the official State Fla on 21 November 1918. It was sometimes used with the State Arms. Estonia was annexed by by the Soviet Union in 1940, replacing the flag and Arms. The historic flag and coat of arms of the Republic of Estonia were re-adopted on the 7th of August, 1990. Province Dutchy, 1918 State Arms   Labour Commune 1918-19 Soviet, 1940 - 1952 Soviet, Arms Soviet, 1952 - 1990

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , Eh.Lenin.ru , DetailedPedia.com , FlagsDB.com and President.ee

 

1918-20, 1988, 2006 onwards Armenia The first flag was in use until the Soviet invasion of 1922 when the Soviet flags were used, The last is illustrated with the last seal. In 1988 the 1918 flag could be used again, but then in August 1990 the Soviet flag was back until 2006. The Soviet period used 5 flags and 3 seals. Armenia is a Trancaucasian country, along with Georgia and Azerbaijan. Armenian Seal 1920-22 Seal 1922-37 Seal 1937-90 Seal 1921 - 1922 1922 - 1935 ? 1936 - 1940 1940 - 1952 1952-90 with 1937 seal

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , Fotw.info , Eh.Lenin.ru and FlagsDB.com

 

1918-40, 1990 onwards

Latvia The basic current flag is known from the 14th century, but Latvia became part of the Russian Empire in 1721. In 1918 it regained independence until 1940. Latvia was a Soviet Socialist Republic until 1990 when it regained autonomy.

Latvian Arms

PSR 1940-1952

PSR 1952-1990

PSR Arms

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , FlagsDB.com and Eh.Lenin.ru

 

From November 1918

Lithuania Lithuania was part of the Russian Empire until WWI in 1918 when Germany took over. After regaining independence from Germany in February 1918, things got complicated until 1920. Telegram seals showed the Arms with a 'Vytis' to at least 1932. In 1940, Lithuania an SSR until 1990 (or so).

state flag 1940 - 1952

state flag 1952 - 1990

1920 Vytis

1940-92

1990-2

1992 ???

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , DetailedPedia.com and Eh.Lenin.ru

 

From 14 January 2004 Georgia Georgia is a Trancaucasian country, along with Armenia and Azerbaijan. Historically there have been more kingdoms and some have merged. Georgia has 3 ethnic enclaves: Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Ajaria (principal city Batʿumi) which became autonomous. From 1921 to 1991, Georgia was a Soviet Socialist Republic. East Georgia 18th cent. West Georgia 18th cent. G.D.Rep. 1918-1921 Ajarian A.R. 2000-4 Ajarian A.R. 2004 on SSRG 1921-1922 Transcaucasian SFSR 1922-36 SSRG 1936-1940 SSRG 1940-1952 SSRG 1952-1990

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , FlagsDB.com and Eh.Lenin.ru

 

2013 onwards Belarus, After WWI Belarus had 2 years as a Republic before becoming a Soviet State. As an SSR it had a series of flags and arms before becoming a Republic again in 1991. As a Republic, it dusted off the old flag and revamped the Arms. It was happy with Socialism however and re-adapted the last Soviet ones, but without hammer and sickles. 1918-20 & 1991-95 1918-1920 1991-1995 1995-2012 1995 on 1919-1924 1924-1940 1940-1952 25 December 1951-1991 1920-1940 1940-1991

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , Eh.Lenin.ru , FlagsDB.com and FlagInstitute.org

 

from 18 November 1991 Karakalpakstan 1992 Uzbekistan While part of the Soviet Union, Karakalpakstan was made an Autonomous part of the Uzbek SSR. The Bukharan People’s Soviet Republic became part of the Uzbek S.S.R. in 1924, which is now Uzbekistan. Additionally, Turkestan ASSR was split between what is now Turkmenistan and what is now Uzbekistan. 1785-1870 Turkestan 1917-18 Bukhara 1921-1923 Uzbekistan 1922-1991 Turkmenistan 1919-1920 Turkmenistan 1921-1924

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , FlagsDB.com and DetailedPedia.com

 

From 16 December 1991 Kazakstan Early Kazakh history as such begins with the Kazakh Khanate 1465-1847 when it came under control of the Russian Empire. With the chaos of the Bolshevik rise and WWI, civil war broke out and the Alash Orda struggled to steer a path for the Kazakh people. In 1920 it became part of the RSFSR. It became a non-autonomous Soviet republic in 1936. Kazakhstan declared its independence 16 December 1991. Khanate 1465-1847 Russian Emp. 1847-1918 Alash Orda 1918-20 RSFSR 1920-36 qazaq/қазақ SSR 1936-40 қазақ/Казахская SSR 1940-52 SSR 1952-91

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , FlagsDB.com , eh.Lenin.ru , thoughtco.com , e-history.kz and KazakhstanDiscovery.com

 

From 5 February 1991 Azerbaijan Following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, the first National tricolour was created. Its use was short-lived as it was soon a Soviet Socialist Republic. During that period, a series of flags were in use, with or without a Coat of Arms. In 1991 the Naional flag was returned to use. 1918-1920 CoA 1920-1921 CoA 1921-1922 CoA 1922-1937 CoA 1937-1991 1921-1922 1936-1940 1940-1952 Transcaucasian 1952-1991

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , eh.Lenin.ru , and FlagsDB.com

 

From 6 November 1990 Moldova This territory with a complicated history, was earlier known as Moldavia which became associated with a Coat of Arms having the head of an aurochs with an 8-pointed star between the horns (not to be confused with the Soviet 5-pointed star), a rose on the left and a moon on the right. Moldova became independent in 1917, but part of Romania in 1918 which resulted in the current flag colours. In 1925 it became an Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, until 1940 when it became part of the Soviet Union until it collapsed. Moldova contains a largely Russian-speaking autonomous area called Gagauzla. CoA 1812-1918 1917-18 Autonomous S. S. R. 1925-38 Jan. 1938-27 Feb. Ukranian/Latin Feb. 1938-40 Moldovan/Russian CoA 1940-1991 1941-1952 1952-1990 1990-91 (with arms) Gagauzla flag

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , Flags-World.com , GoToFlags.com , FOTW.info , eh.Lenin.ru and FlagsDB.com

 

From 16 April 1879

Bulgaria The Principality of Bulgaria was established by the Treaty of Berlin in 1878. Before that there was no official flag, though flags like the modern one had been used. It is based on the Russian flag, with green replacing the blue. Bulgaria became a Kingdom in 1908. During the Communist period, a series of Coat of Arms were used in the top-left corner. These included a date of "9 XI 1944", except the last that has "681 1944".

1947

1948-68

1968-71

1971-90

State Flag 1971-90

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , FOTW.info and FlagsDB.com .

 

From 1949

China The current flag is the result of a 1949 competition (Mao Zedong was a runner-up). According to the winner, The large star represents the Communist Party and the other four represent the four revolutionary classes ,the working class, the peasantry, the petty bourgeoisie, and the national bourgeoisie. Prior to that there were two Republican flags. On the colours, Red=Han majority, Yellow=Manchu, Blue=Mongols, White=Tibetans and Black=the rest, there are about 50 ethnic minorities in Chins.

1912-15, 1916-28

1915 - 1916

1928 - 1949 + Taiwan

Further information can be found at Britannica.com, SymbolSage.com , Eh.Lenin.ru and Gotheborg.com .

 

From July 1997

Hong Kong From the beginning of Hong Kong in 1841 until 1871 the Union Jack was used. The blue Ensign was then used, with a series of badges until 1997. The period from 1941 to 1945 used the Japanese flag. From 1960 until 1999 the flag of the City Council with a representation of the bauhinia, or Hong Kong Orchid was used. The current flag, from July 1997 represents the same flower.

1871 - 1876

1876-1941 & 1945-55

1955 - 1959

1959-1997

1960 - 1999

Further information can be found at Britannica.com, FlagsDB.com .

 

From 1949

Taiwan The flag of Taiwan was adopted from the existing mainland flag in 1949 by the fleeing Kuomintang invading Taiwan. It has not changed since. The flag dated from December 1928, created from the White Sun and Blue Sky Flag" designed in 1893, together with a red background. Red is the colour of the Han majority, it also represents happiness and is the traditional colour of marriage..

Further information can be found at FlagsDB.com and FlagPedia.net

 

From 2010

Myanmar From 1824 to 1937 Burma, as it was then called, was under British control and used the Union Jack. After that it had a blue ensign with a peacock emblem until 1942 when the Japanese invaded. The Japanese flag was used for a year then a puppet regime they established created a new tricolor flag. 1945-8 the Japanese were driven out and Burma became Myanmar.

c.1300–1500

c.1300–1500

1940-1942

1943-1945

1948-1974

1974-2010

Further information can be found at MyanmarTravel.com , FlagsDB.com and DetailedPedia.com

 

1955 onwards Vietnam A brief history: French control 1887-1940, Japanese occupation 1940-45, Provisional Government 1945-1948, May 1954 French driven out. June 1954 US infiltration. July 1954 North/South divide. November 1963 US withdraws support for the South's Prime minister who is then killed by his own generals. January 1968 major offensive by North. March 1968 My Lai Massacre by US soldiers. January 1973 agreement to end war. 29 April 1975 South surrenders. 1883 - 1945 National flag 1940-45 South Prov. 1945-48 South flag after 1948 State flag 1940-45 Indo-China Union 1946-9 1945 - 1955 South Rep. 1975-76

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , FlagsDB.com and Eh.Lenin.ru

 

1948-70 & 1993 onwards Cambodia, These mostly have depictions of Angkor Wat and are mostly with a 3:2 aspect ratio, though some, the earliest two and the current, are 25:16. The Japanese invasion of 1941, rise of communism in 1975 and the UN administration all lleft their mark on the flags. The issues of 1948-75 with black lines on Angkor Wat both had a varient where the lines were in red. 1863-1940 1865-1948 Japanese 1941-1945 Khmer 1970-1975 Kampuchea 1970-1975 1975-1979 1979-1989   1989-1993 UN 1992-1993

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , FlagMakers.co.uk , Eh.Lenin.ru and DetailedPedia.com

 

1917 onwards

Thailand, Originally just plain red, the "chakra" was added by the ruler in 1872. The white elephant was subsequently added after Rama II was gifted three of them. The change of colour in the center appears to have been an indication of allegiance in WWI.

1782-1817

1817-1832

1832-1916

1916-1917

1917

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , FlagsDB.com and DetailedPedia.com

 

Japan The current flag of Japan dates from 1947, however there appears to have been similar ones dating bacj to the 12th century. having a simpler design with no sun-rays. During the Edo period(1603-1868) a variable number of rays were added to the sun disc, ending with 16. The Meiji Restoration followed and standardised the 16 rays as the "Rising Sun Flag". In 1935 the sun disc was enlarged and put closer to the center of the flag, while the number of rays was reduced to 14. That was known as the “Military Flag”.

1870 - 1935, 16 rays

Further information can be found at Britannica.com, Goia-Japan.com and RandomJapan.com.

 

1948 onwards

(South) Korea The current flag was adopted in 1948 after the Japanese were driven out, and has remained essentially constant, the center represents the duality of the universe (binary), whilst the corners are figures from the I Ching, A divination method based on Octal. Altogether a very mathematical flag. Prior to that, the Japanese flag was used for 36 years. The Arms could be used to replace the center of the flag for some occasions. An earlier flag, date uncertain is shown.

Arms

1883? Flag

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , Mappr.co and FlagsDB.com

 

From 20 December 1999

Macau This was originally a Portuguese Colony and the early flags reflected that. From 2000 it has been a Special Administrative Region of the Peoples Republic of China.

F1830-1911

1911-1999

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , FlagsDB.com and DetailedPedia.com

 

From 1910

Portugal The current flag dates from the October 1910 revolution that overthrew the monarchy and made Portugal a republic. Red on the flag was the colour of the revolutionary flag green though is the colour of the royal house of Bragança, so is perhaps a strange choice. The arms feature a yellow armillary sphere used for navigation, and a shield. The red part of the shield contain 7 castles representing castles on the Algarve, and the 5 blue shields represent five Moorish kings defeated. The previous flag, 1834 to 1910, had a crown rather than armillary with a background of blue and white.

Coat of Arms

1834 - 1910

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , FlagsDB.com. and  AndGoToPortugal.com

 

Brazil The basic design of the current flag dates from 1889. The green comes from the house of Bragança of the king and yellow from the house of Habsburg of his wife. A band across the middle says "ORDEM E PROGRESSO" meaning "ORDER AND PROGRESS". Like the USA, the flag varied with the number of states, a star for each. Initially it had 21 stars then 22 in 1960, 23 in 1968 and 27 from 1992. Prior to that from 1822 to 1889 a different design had stars in a circle, with 19 or 20 of them.

Detail

1853 - 1889

Further information can be found at Britannica.com and FlagsDB.com .

 

From 1879

France This flag was a new design following the 1789 Revolution. Blue and red, were traditional colours of Paris, The flag of the Netherlands sealed white as the last. Prior to that, the Royal Coat of Arms was generally used on a shield. That was a depiction of 3 lilly flowers (fleurs-de-lis).

Fleurs-de-lis

Further information can be found at Britannica.com and FrenchMoments.eu .

 

from 4 April 1881

Monaco The simple flag dating from 1881 has an unusual aspect ratio of 4:5. There is also a banner of arms, red and white diamonds, which serves as an alternative national flag. The Coat of Arms can be used on the red and white flag, or is sometimes on a plain white flag.

1971

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , FlagsDB.com and DetailedPedia.com

 

From 1794

Réunion Settled in the mid-1600s by the French East India Company, becoming a colony of France until 1946 when it became an overseas département of France. In 1974 it also became "région" and now "département" of France. Being near Madagascar, the Organization of African Unity (now the African Union) has been pushing for full independence for Réunion, but the majority seem happy to be French. There have been proposals for new flags, but the official flag is still that of France.

1984 MLK proposal

1996 APDR proposal

Unofficial VAR 2003

Further information can be found at Britannica.com and OZoutback.com.au

 

From 1912

Morocco Morocco had a plain red flag from 1666 until 1912 when in the French Protectorate, it was modified by the addition of a green pentagram at the center. Meanwhile in the Spanish Protectoate, a green rectangle with white border was added at top left with a white pentagram. Tangier was similar to the French, but with Coat of Arms on the left dispacing the pentagram to the right. In November 1915 the French version was made the Official Flag.

Spanish Protectorate

Tangier International Zone

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , desert-merzouga-tours.com and EdArabia.com

 

1943 onwards

Lebanon Until 1918 Lebanon was under Ottoman rule. From 1920-1943 Lebanon was under a French mandate. the current flag dates from 7 December of 1943. According to edarabia.com "Some flag manufacturers make the flags with a brown or green cedar, although the constitution in Lebanon stipulates the tree should be green."

1920 - 1943

Arms

1918 - 1920

Further information can be found at Habeeb.com , EdArabia and FlagsDB.com

 

1979 onwards

Iran The Lion with sword and sun emblem dates back to about the 15th century or earlier, but the green, white and red colours were added only in the late 19th century. In 1979 Ayatollah Khomeini overthrew the shah and replaced the Lion with a new symbol. Additionally at the borders between colours “Allāhu akbar” was added 11 times at the top and 11 times at the bottom.

state flag until 1906

National 1906 - 1980

State 1906 - 1979

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , FlagsDB.com and Eh.Lenin.ru

 

1796-1861, 1946 onwards

Italy Both unification and a flag to go with it were prompted by the attack of Napoleon in 1796. The pattern was inspired by the French flag, with the red and white derived from Milan in the north (as well as the French) and the green supposedly from a military uniform in the area. It was introduced 9 October 1796 and soon became popular. From 1861 to 1946 the Arms of the Royal House of Savoy were incorporated.

+ House of Savoy CoA

Further information can be found at Britannica.com and ItalyLogue.com .

 

From 1978

Spain The basic flag, the rojigualda, was chosen from a competition to be distinctive, by King Charles III in 1785, though from 1931-1939 red, yellow and purple was used. There have been a number of changes to the Coat of Arms on the flag, some recent - 1936, 1938, 1977 and 1981.

Spanish 1521-1843

1843 - 1931

2nd. Rep. 1931-1939

1938 - 1977

Further information can be found at Britannica.com and FlagsDB.com .

 

from 1866 Arms Andorra Andorra was jointly managed for many years by Spain, echoing its creation and Coat of Arms, but it has been independent since 1993. The older slags are elusive with uncertain information. Be aware that Andorra has 7 parishes with their own flags. Of those, 6 of them have flags similar to the last three but with different arms. 1806-1866 1866-1939 End of 19th Cent. End of 19th Cent. Approx 1939-1949 Before 1993 Before 1993

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , FlagsDB.com and DetailedPedia.com

 

1968 onwards

Mexico With independence from Spain in 1821 a standard green, white and red flag has been used with a succesion of Arms in the center. 1864-67 was a bit of an exception, with Emperor Maximilian adding a crown to the eagle and additional gold crowned eagles in the corners. The current flag dates from 16 September 1968.

1821 - 1823

1823 - 1864

1864 - 1867

1916 - 1934

1968 onward

Further information can be found at Britannica.com and FlagsDB.com

 

from 15 September 1968 Guatemala, From 1822-23 Guatemala was ruled by Mexico and used their flag. Then Nicaragua was part of the United Provinces of Central America (UPCA, 1822-4) see Costa Rica, Nicaragua and El Salvador. After that it created its own flag with similar colours. A pro-Spanish Government in 1851 changed the colours. Most of the flags have a 3:2 aspect ratio, but 1851-71 was 2:1 and the current one is 8:5. 1825-1838 1838-1843 1843-1851 1851-1858 1858-1871 1871-1968

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , Eh.Lenin.ru , FlagsDB.com and DetailedPedia.com

 

From 2022

Honduras The first flag was influenced by the colours of Argentina and the flag of the United Provinces of Central America (UPCA - see El Salvador) which they could also use. From 1866 the aspect ratio changed from 5:3 to 2:1 and stars were added.

from 2022

1866-1949

1866-1898 alternative

1898-1930s

1949-2022

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , FlagsDB.com and DetailedPedia.com

 

from 1908

Nicaragua From 1823 to 1854 Nicaragua used the flag of the United Provinces of Central America, even after the member states became independent. A new flag was introduced in 1852, and another in 1854. In 1873 Arms were added to the 1854 flag. In 1908, The United Provinces colours were reverted to with Nicaraguan Arms with wording ""Republica de Nicaragua - America Central.

1823 - 1825

1825 - 1854

1852 - 1854

1854 - 1858

1873 - 1889

1908 on

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , FlagMakers.co.uk and FlagsDB.com

 

From 21 October 1964 Costa Rica From 1821, a flag was used by the independence fighters. When Spain was driven out, Costa Rica came under the dominion of Mexico until 1823 when for a time it was part of the United Provinces of Central America, which soon fell apart. The light blue and white of 1824-48 was inspired by Argentina. The current colours were inspired by the French revolution. Various Coats of Arms were in use at various times, together with the United Provinces Coat of Arms from 1824 to 1848. In 1964 the Arms went from 5 stars to 7 stars, creating the current flag. 1821-23 Independence June 1823 Free of Mexico 1824 United Provinces 1824 United Prov. 1824-40 Costa Rica 1840-42 Costa Rica 1842-48 Costa Rica 1848-1906 Arms 1823-24 Arms 1824-40 Arms 1824-40; 1842-48 Arms 1840-42 Arms 1848-1906 Arms 1906-64 Arms 1964-98

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , FOTW.info , FlagsDB.com and CostaRica.org

 

From 2010

Argentina This basic design has been in use from 1818 when the "Sun of May" was added to the centre. Until 1860 though, it was mostly confined to Buenos Aires. The original "celeste" blue representing the "cockades" worn by patriots taking power from the Spanish in May 1910, was replaced by a darker shade and the sun was also darkened on a revised flag of 2010.

1861 to November 2010

Sun of May

Further information can be found at Britannica.com and FlagsDB.com .

 

From 11 July 1830

Uruguay A similar flag design to Argentina due to much shared history after gaining independence from Spain. Unusually there are three different official flags still current.

1828-1830

From 1952 until now. "Liberty or Death"

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , FlagsDB.com , DetailedPedia.com , eh.Lenin.ru and Mappr.co

 

From 26 November 1861 Colombia Under Spanish rule, this area was part of the Viceroyalty of New Granada, which included what is now Panama, Venezuela and Ecuador. The French invasion of Spain in 1808 and the captivity of the Spanish king Ferdinand VII weakened Spanish control in the Americas. Uprisings began in Bogotá on July 20, 1810 and spread. Independence was declared in 1811 leading to the formation of "Gran Colombia" in 1819. Due to infighting, this fragmented in 1830, just before the death of Simón Bolivar. Colombia became a state of New Granada. In 1861 it became the United States of Colombia. The current flag was adopted 26 November 1861. New Granada 1811-14 Cundinamarca 1811-15 New Granada 1814-19 Gran Colombia 1819-20 Gran Colombia 1820-31 New Granada 1830-34 Colombia 1834-61 Cund. Arms 1811 G.C. Arms 1811 N.G. Arms 1830

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , Lenin.ru and FlagsDB.com .

 

From November 2009 Ecuador Under Spanish rule, this area was part of the Viceroyalty of New Granada. In the Guayaquil revolt of 1920 a flag with light blue and white stripes with 3 white stars was used. This changed in 1822 and again in 1845. From 1845 to 1860 it used a white and pale blue flag with stars for the provinces, initially three, then seven. Meanwhile, as part of Gran Colombia from 1819, a series of federal flags were assigned until 1835 when Ecuador became independent. Subsequent revisions were made 1845, 1860 and 1900. From 1900 to 2009 it was square with the new Coat of Arms. New Granada 1811-14 New Granada 1814-20 9 October 1820 2 June 1822 6 March 1845 1845 - 1860 G.Colombia 1822-30 G.Colombia 1830-35 Ecuador 1835-45 1860 - 1900 1900 - 2009 Arms of 1822 Arms of 1830 Arms of 1900

Further information can be found at Britannica.com and FlagsDB.com .

 

8 stars from 2006 Venezuela, Uncertainty at the beginning but it settled down to a pattern. They got to there third Republic, then a federation with the count of stars changing with the number of states. Each state also has its own flag which can be confusing. Guyana was added (forcibly) in 2006 making 8 stars. Miranda 1803 1806 1811 2nd.Rep. 1813-14 3rd. Rep. 7 stars, 1817 8 stars, 1817-19 1821 1821-30 1830-36 Federation 1859-63 7 stars, 1863-1905 7 stars, 1905-30 7 stars, 1930-2006 1830 1936 to c2000 About 2000 2006

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , FlagsDB.com and DetailedPedia.com

 

From March 1925

Panama The current flag dates from March 1925, though a very similar design was used from 1903. The red supposedly represents Liberals, the Blue represents Conservatives and the white is for peace. The initial proposal in 1903 had been based on the Colombian colours, though using 13 bars as in the US flag. The top-left quadrant had two linked suns representing the oceans joined by the canal.

1903

1903 - 1925

Further information can be found at Britannica.com and FlagsDB.com .

 

1844 onwards

Dominican Republic The flag was established 6 November 1844 and seems not to have changed apart from shades. The arms feature flags, a bible and a cross, with branches of laurel and palm though there has been more than one type. Christianity features strongly.

Date ?

Date ?

Further information can be found at Britannica.com and FlagsDB.com

 

From 1925

Peru The current flag was established 25 February 1825. The Coat of Arms feature a vicuña, a cinchona tree and a cornucopia.

1821-22

1822

1822-25

1925 Arms

Further information can be found at Britannica.com and FlagsDB.com.

 

From 1888

Bolivia Bolivia started out as part of Peru. When Peru gained independence from Spain in 1825, Bolivia chose its first National flag. A law of 1826 changed the top stripe to yellow and added a Coat of Arms to the center with 5 stars, laurel and olive branches and a volcano. In 1851 the order of the colours was changed, and in 1888 it was stipulated that the Coat of Arms was to be in the center.

1825 - 1826

1826 - 1851

1851 - 1888

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , FlagsDB.com and EducaBolivia.com

 

1817 onwards

Chile The first flag was raised in a drive towards independence which was crushed by Spain in 1814. A second attempt using the the “Flag of Transition” was successful. The current flag was adopted 18 October 1817. On the Coat of Arms, the animal on the left is a Huemul, not a horse as embarrassingly depicted on Telegraph stamps before 1902. The flag is like the first of Cuba with red and blue swapped.

1817 Coat of Arms

1810 - 1814

'Transition' 1816 - 17

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , FlagsDB.com and Eh.Lenin.ru

 

From 27 May 1912. El Salvador The flags use cobalt blue, except when United Provinces of Central America (UPCA, 1822-4), Central American Federal Republic (CAFR, 1824-5) or Central American Federation (FCA, 1825-39) flags are in use. From 1865 to 1912 USA style flags were used with initially 9 bars and flags representing 9 states. Periodically the flag was updated for increasing states. From 1873 the back of the flag had a Coat of Arms. 1840 - 1865 CAFR flag 1824-5 CAFR flag 1825-39 1865 - 1912 1912 on UPCA CAFR FCA 1825-39 1865 (9 stars) 1865-69 (11 stars) 1869-73 (12 stars)   1873-77 (13 stars), front and back   1877-1912 (14 stars), front and back   Indian Peoples - Lenca

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , DetailedPedia.com , Eh.Lenin.ru and FlagsDB.com

 

From April 1994

South Africa This current flag, dating from April 1994 is a compromise of the Dutch and British who monopolized the former flag, with the Indian, muslim, mixed race and majority of black africans. The previous flag dating from May 1928, was orange, white and blue from the early Dutch flag with the Union Jack, Transvaal and Orange Free State flags in the center. The Y-shape was intended to symbolize “converging of paths…merging history and present political realities”. Intentionally, the new flag explicitly avoids any specific associations for the colours,

1928 - 1994

Further information can be found at Britannica.com.

 

From 6 August 1962

Jamaica The Union Jack was used from 1655 to 1875, followed by the Blue Ensign from 1875 to 1962. Jamaica declared independence on August 6, 1962 and instituted its current flag.

1875 - 1906

1906 - 1962

Further information can be found at Britannica.com and FlagsDB.com.

 

from 2011

eSwatini, Before 1894 eSwatini, (Swaziland until 2018) had a Government, made up of Swazi, Boer and British People. The British handed them over to the South African Republic in 1894 and the ZAR flag was flown until 1902. Swaziland became a British Protectorate in 1903 and then flew the Union Jack. In 1968 Swaziland gained independence and their new flag became official. in 2011 the flag was modified by adding a brown guard to the shaft behind the shield, making the injobo tassels black instead of blue, and changing the dark blue bands to light blue.

1894-1902

1890-1894

19th century

ZAR 1894

1968-2011

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , OZoutback.com.au , WorldFlags101.com and DetailedPedia.com

 

From 12 December 1963 Kenya Portugal controlled the area from 1498 to 1698, followed by Omani rule from 1698 to 1888. The German East Africa Company operated in the area from 1885, culminating in German Wituland in 1890. The British East Africa Company encroached and the Witu Protectorate was formed in 1893. The British Protectorate of Kenya was formed in 1921. Italian-occupied during WWII from 1940-1, and Kenya became independent in 1963. Omani rule 1698 - 1888 German 1885 - 1990 German Wituland 1890 1893 - 1920 1895 - 1921 1921 - 1963 Italian WWII 1940-1

Further information can be found at Britannica.com and DetailedPedia.com

 

From 30 June 1964

Tanzania Tanganyika gained independence from the British on December 9, 1961. Zanzibar had formed a Republic with the island of Pemba in January 1964 and created a flag. That flag was changed on 29 January 1964. In April 1964 Tanganyika combined with the Republic of Zanzibar & Pemba to form Tanzania. The Tanzanian flag is a combination of these.

Tanganyika 1961-4

Z & P January 1964

Zanzibar & Pemba 1964

Further information can be found at Britannica.com and FlagMakers.co.uk

 

From 18 April 1980 Zimbabwe An area originally part of Rhodesia exploited by the British South Africa Company (B.S.A.C.) for minerals. In 1911 Rhodesia was split into North and South parts. Southern Rhodesia became a self-governing British colony in 1923. The flag became a blue-ensign with Arms having English and Scottish symbols over a brutally relevant pickaxe. In 1953 both Rhodesias combined with Nyasaland to become the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland with the Arms changed to that of Nyasaland. This broke up in 1963 with Northern Rhodesia becoming Zambia and Southern Rhodesia just being called Rhodesia. Nyasaland became Malawi. Southern Rhodesia, wanted independence from Britain without majority rule. In November 1965 Unilateral Independence was Declared, though a new flag was not available until 1968. British rule was restored 12 December 1979 with majority rule as Zimbabwe Rhodesia. Zimbabwe became an independent Republic on 18 April 1980. The new Arms features a "Zimbabwe Bird" from soapstone sculptures found at archaeological sites in Zimbabwe. B.S.A.C. 1889 - 1922 Southern Rhodesia 1923-65 Rhodesia & Nyasaland 1953-63 Rhodesia 1964 - 1968 Rhodesia 1968 - 1979 Transitional British 1979-80 Zimbabwe Rhodesia - 1979

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , loeser.us and DetailedPedia.com

 

From 1 October 1960

Nigeria Nigeria was formed in 1914 from the combination of the Protectorates of Northern and Southern Nigeria. The Colonial flags were based on the Blue-Ensign with an added badge. In 1914, the new badge featured the "Seal of Solomon" containing a Tudor crown over the word "Nigeria". In 1953 the crown was changed to St Edward’s Crown. This flag remained until Independence on 1 October 1960. The Coat of Arms may be used in the center.

Northern Nigeria 1900-1914

Southern Nigeria 1900-1914

Colonial Nigeria 1914-1953

Colonial Nigeria 1953-1960

Arms of Nigeria

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , FlagsDB and DetailedPedia.com

 

1957-62; 1966 onwards

Ghana This was called the Gold Coast from 1621 to 6 March 1957, then Dominium of Ghana until 1960, then Republic. However in 1958 the Union of African States (UAS) was formed comprising Ghana and Guinea initially, with Mali joining in 1961. it disbanded in 1963.

Gold Coast 1875-1957

UAS 1958-1961

UAS 1961-1963

Ghana 1964-66

Ashanti

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , Eh.Lenin.ru and DetailedPedia.com

 

From 20 May 1975 Cameroon In the 19th century, Germany had control of the area which was exploited by the German West African Company (1885-1903) which used its flag. In 1850 the head of Douala had proposed becoming a protectorate of Britain, but Germany got there first and a German flag with eagle was used from 1864. Along came World War I. Germany had plans to replace the eagle with elephant head on shield, but they lost the war and Camaroon was split between France (80%, with the French flag) and Britain with a modified Blue Ensign. After World War II, The French promised its part independence and a green, red and yellow flag came into use. After independence from France, Britain granted independence for its part and 2 stars were added to the flag in 1961. In 1975 the current flag was adopted. Deutsch-Westafrikan Ges. 1864-1918   1918-1950 French and British parts. From about 1950 to 1961 1961-75

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , CamerounWeb.com and GoToFlags.com

 

From 1997

Democratic Republic of the Congo This is not to be confused with the smaller country to the northwest with the capital of Brazzaville. This has the capital of Kinshasa (formerly Léopoldville). After independence,

Belgium Congo 1885-1960

D.R. Congo 1960-63

1963-66

1966-71

Zaire 1971-97

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , Eh.Lenin.ru and DetailedPedia.com

 

From 25 October 2001

Rwanda The flag of the German East Africa company was used from about 1885 to 1916, and the flag of Belgium was used by Ruanda-Urundi from about 1922 to 1959. Belgium control was ended by a coup in 1961 and the red/yellow/green flag was brought into use. on 25 September 1961 the large "R" was added.

GEA to 1916

1922-1959

1959-1961

1961-2001

Further information can be found at Mappr.co and DetailedPedia.com

 

From 12 October 1954

Somalia After World War II, the former Italian Somalia was promised independence and Britain agreed to transfer Somaliland to the new state. The five pointed star on the flag, with stands for the five Somali groups, Italian, British, Ethiopian, Kenyan and Djiboutian. It is based on the provisional flag of 1949 used by the UN. The whole became independent in 1960. In 1991 an area in the northwest asserted itself as the independent Republic of Somaliland. In 1998 the area to the east of that declared itself as autonomous Puntland.

Italian Somalia 1880s–1942

British Somaliland 1903-50

British Somaliland 1950-60

Further information can be found at Britannica.com and FOTW.info

 

From 1958

Madagascar Madagascar was a French colony from 1896 to 1958. In that period the French Tricolour was used with a range of badges, until finally a flag in 1958 with independence of the Malagasy Republic which became the Democratic Republic of Madagascar in 1975.

1817 - 1885

1885 - 1896

Merina 1896

1897 - 1958

1958 - 1975

1975 - 1992

1993 - 1998

From 1975

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , Eh.Lenin.ru and DetailedPedia.com

 

12 March 1968 onwards

Mauritius, The French Tricolour was used from 1792 to 1810 followed by the Union Jack from 1810 to 1869. After that a series of Arms on Blue Ensigns was use until independence on 12 March 1968.

1869-1906

1906-1923

1923-1968

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , Eh.Lenin.ru and DetailedPedia.com

 

From 22 July 1947

India This current flag, dating from 22 July 1947, shortly before independence day 15 August 1947, depicted an image of the Ashoka Chakra, "the wheel of Law" in Navy blue. The top band is in Saffron and the bottom in India green. The 1947 flag is like an earlier flag of August 1931 that depicted a spinning wheel. In the early days, the "saffron" was intended to be red for the Hindus, with green for Muslims, with Gandhi adding white for other religions. The spinning wheel was to promote Gandhi's drive to make Indians more self-sufficient.

1931 - Spinning Wheel

Further information can be found at Britannica.com and NewWorldEncyclopedia.org .

 

From May 1972

Sri Lanka The use of a lion on a flag goes back to ancient times. When the British invaded in 1815, the Union Jack was required, later just at top-left with an emblem representing Ceylon. After independence in 1948, a Lion Flag was restored. In March 1951, green and orange bars were added to represent the Muslim and Tamil minorities respectively. In May 1972, the corners around the lion were changed to Bo tree leaves to represent the Buddhists.

1875 - 1948

1948 - 1951

Further information can be found at Britannica.com and FlagsDB.com .

 

From 1962

Nepal Triangular flag shapes have been common throughout Asia in the past. Most countries have converted to Western traditions, but not Nepal. Western knowledge of older Nepalese flags is probably patchy, but these are some

19th century

Until 1923

1923-1930

1930-1962

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , FlagsDB.com , DetailedPedia.com and eh.Lenin.ru

 

From 1625

Denmark The basic flag of Denmark goes back to 1219, though then it was square with equal red and white widths. The current flag became the official National flag in 1625 making it the oldest national flag in the world. Another flag used was that of the Kalmar Union from 1397 to 1523. The Danish flag has done much to influence other Scandinavian flags.

1397 to 1523

Further information can be found at Britannica.com and FlagsDB.com .

 

From 22 June 1906

Sweden This current flag dates from 22 June 1906 after the dissolution of the Norway-Sweden Union that lasted from 1814 to 1905. During the Union, the (Swedish) King had tried to reflect the Union in the flags, creating a Union Jack, but Norway had never wanted the Union. The colours of the flag appear to date back to the 14th century, but the cross form was probably borrowed from Denmark.

1818 - 1844

1844 - 1905

Further information can be found at Britannica.com and FlagsDB.com .

 

Norway Initially the Danish flag was copied with the addition of a lion in the top-left quadrant. From 1814 to 1905 Norway that was in a Union with Sweden, having the same king who created a Union Jack to be used by both. The current flag was created in 1821 by the Norwegian Parliament though the King would not recognise it until 1838.

1814 - 1821

1844 - 1905

1844 - 1889

1844 - 1905

Further information can be found at Britannica.com, FlagsDB.com , and LifeinNorway.net .

 

From 1915/1944

Iceland Jørgen Jørgensen, a Danish explorer come privateer, took control of Iceland and created Icelands first flag on 12th of July 1809 featuring 3 stockfish. It was not popular and fell into disuse. In 1870 a new, more popular flag was created with a white falcon and a Coat of Arms based on it was granted in 1903. An 1897 proposal was rejected as too much like the Greek flag. The current flag was adopted 19th of June, 1915 with a darker blue from 1944. This was in preference to a 1914 design.

1809 - 1870

1870

1897 proposal

Rejected 1914 design

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , GuidetoIceland.is and Adventures.is

 

From November 2009

Finland The current flag dates from May 1918, following Independence from Russia after the Russian revolution. The colours represent the snows of Finland and blue for its lakes. State, Military and Presidential flags may show the Coat of Arms at the intersection of blue stripes. It dates from 16th century when Finland was a grand duchy of Sweden before becoming a grand duchy of Russia in 1809.

Coat of Arms

Further information can be found at Britannica.com and FlagsDB.com .

 

September 1963 onwards

Malaysia The current flag of Malaysia has 14 bars to the flag and points to the star indicating the number of states. In September 1963 that replaced the earlier flag that had 11 states and dates from 1950 when it was still a British Protectorate. Before that it had four coloured bars, perhaps reflecting the Straights Settlements.

1950 - 1963

1896 - 1950

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , Eh.Lenin.ru and FlagsDB.com

 

From 3 December 1959 Singapore The first flag used there would have been that of the British East India Company from 1826 to 1858, then the Union Flag until 1946. Straits Settlements (1867-1946) comprising Singapore, Penang, Malacca, and Labuan used various Government flags. Initially they featured the St. Edwards Crown, switching to 3 (for Singapore, Penang, Malacca) of them in 1877, then to Tudor Crown in 1904. After World War II Singapore became a separate colony. On December 3, 1959, Singapore became self-governing and got its own flag. The flag was a compromise designed by a committee, needing to please Chinese, Islamic Malays and the British. The fact that it subsequently (1963) became a Malay State and then (1965) became an independent country, all without changing the now National flag is a testament to their success. The colours are acceptable to all, 5 stars match the Chinese flag and can also represent the Straits Settlements plus Britain. The Crescent Moon only pleases the Islamic contingent, but the others have accepted it as symbolic of the growth of a young country. East India Co., 1826-58 Government state flag, 1868-77 Governor flag, 1868-77 Government state about 1877-79 Governor flag, about 1877-79 Government state 1879-1904 Governor flag, 1879-1904 Government state flag, 1904-25 Governor 1904-46 Government state flag, 1925-46

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , FlaggenLexikon.de and FlagsDB.com .

 

1844 onwards

Indonesia The flag was adopted on 17 August 1945 and was used back in the 13th century. I presume that the Arms are used in the center on some occasions.

Arms

Further information can be found at Britannica.com and FlagsDB.com

 

1919-1927, 1980 onwards

Poland The earliest Coat of Arms was a white eagle on a red shield and the colours derive from that. The National flag dates from August 1919. In 1921 the "red" part was defined as crimson and it has since been crimson except 1927 to 1980 when it reverted to red for reasons of economy.

1927 - 1980

Further information can be found at Britannica.com and FlagsDB.com .

 

Switzerland The precise origine of the flag seems to be uncertain, but it seems to have been provided in return for services rendered to the Holy Roman Empire in the 14th century or earlier. Unusually, the normal flag is square and more normal proportions are reserved for naval use. For a land-locked country, that must be infrequent.

Further information can be found at Britannica.com and FlagsDB.com .

 

From 1831

Belgium The current flag dates from 1831, prior to that a horizontal format was generally used. The colours come from early Coat of Arms featuring a black lion with red teeth and claws together with a gold shield. The switch to vertical format was probably following the French example, after a revolution and avoiding the Dutch example, from whom they revolted in 1830.

1789 - 1790

1830 - 1831

Further information can be found at Britannica.com and FlagsDB.com .

 

From 1993 Luxembourg Luxembourg was a duchy in the Holy Roman Empire until Napoleon defeated that Empire. Then it was in a union with the Netherlands. Being a small country, it has been obliged to fly the flags of Belgium and Germany also at times. Their own Red, white and blue has been used since 1848 (2:1 format) but only became official in 1993 (5:3 format). Nethrlds 1815-30, 39-48 Belgian Rev. 1830-31 Belgium 1831-39 Lux. 1848-1914, 1918-40, 1948-93 German Emp. 1914-18 Nazi Germany 1940-45

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , FlagsDB.com , DetailedPedia.com , worldflags101

 

From 1918

Austria The Red, White, Red Arms date back to 1230, but as a flag of an independent nation, the flag dates back only to 1918. When flown by Government it may have a Coat of Arms added centrally which varied depending on period. 1919-34 was the first Republic; 1934-38 was as a Federal State of Germany, followed by annexation until the end of World War II; followed in 1945 by the second Republic to the present. Note the broken chains on the legs of the last.

1919 - 1934

1934 - 1938

1945 onwards

Further information can be found at Britannica.com and FlagsDB.com .

 

Hungary The Hungarian colours date from about 1848, though the flag is often used with different Coats of Arms at different times in the center. Crowns were on them in times of Kingdoms, and stars in Communist times. For a breif period in 1919 a plain red flag was used.

pre-1918 1939-44

1919-38 1990 on

1918-19

1944-45

1946-9&56-7

1949-56

1957-89

Further information can be found at Britannica.com and DetailedPedia.com.

 

From 3 September 1992

Slovakia Slovakia emerged from the dissolution of Czechoslovakia in 1992. Even while part of Hungary the Slovaks wanted independence and had chosen the Russian flag and a modified (blue instead of green) Hungarian Coat of Arms as their adopted ones. The Soviet Union disolved in November 1989 and Russia wanted to use its old flag again. To avoid conflict Slovakia used The Russian flag combined with their modified Hungarian Coat of Arms. The flag was created 3 September 1992.

Further information can be found at Britannica.com, FlagsDB.com and FlagPedia.net.

 

From 1920

Czech Republic / Czechia This current flag, dates from 1920 when it was created for Czechoslovakia using red and white for the Czechs and blue for the Slovaks and Ruthenians. Czechoslovakia had from 1918 simply used a white stripe over red, but that was the same as Poland. When the Slovaks broke away to form Slovakia in 1993, the Czech Republic was formed which adopted the flag (illegally) of the newly defunct Czechoslovakia. The Czech Republic now prefers to be called Czechia.

Further information can be found at Britannica.com .

 

From 1991 Slovenia The colours and Coat of Arms derive from the Duchy of Carniola in what is now southwest Slovenia and the counts-of-Celje From that they evolved for use in Yugoslavia, which had a Coat of Arms for Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia at the bottom. Finally the current design by Marko Pogačnik winning a competition in 1991. Carniola 1270-1918 1946 - 1991 Carniola before 1918 Counts of Celje to 1456 Yugoslavia 1918 - 42 Yugoslavia 1946 - 1991 Slovenia 1991

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , FlagsDB.com and Eh.Lenin.ru

 

From 21 December 1990

Croatia The current flag was approved on 21 December 1990. The checkerboard Coat of Arms of Croatia is topped by smaller Arms representing Croatia, Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Istria and Slovenia. For about 6 months before this, the flag was without those 5 small Arms. For the period of 1943 to 1990 a five-pointed red star replaced the checkerboard Arms. 1939 to 1941 was again just the checkerboard Arms on Red, White and Blue.

From 1943 - 1990

Coat of Arms

Further information can be found at Britannica.com and FlagsDB.com .

 

From August 2004

Serbia The current flag dates from August 2004, but the colours have been the same from 1838, based on the Russian colours. Different Coats of Arms have been used in the center at different times. From 1918 to 1943, Serbia was part of Yugoslavia. WWII disrupted that and Yugoslavia was absorbed into the Soviet Union. With the collapse of the Soviet Union, Yugoslavia fragmented. Serbia and Montenegro formed a new country, but that fell apart before they created a flag. The shield design contains the cyrillic :  C Ɔ C Ɔ "Samo sloga Srbina spasava"

Ancient

1882 - 1918

1943 - 1992

2004 on

Yugoslavia 1918-45

Yugoslavia 1945 - 2003

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , eh.Lenin.ru and FlagsDB.com.

 

From 3 June 2006

Montenegro Montenegro first became independent in 1878 and adopted the colours of Serbia. It became a Kingdom in 1910 and after World War I, on 28 November 1918, unified with Serbia which on 1 December 1918 merged into the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, later becoming Yugoslavia. After the Soviet Era, Yugoslavia collapsed. Montenegro stayed with Serbia as the last two members, but then they too split up.

1878 - 1910

Kingdom 1910 - 1918

Yugoslavia 1918-45

December 1946-1993

Republic 1993-2004

Further information can be found at Britannica.com and DetailedPedia.com.

 

From 4 February 1998 Bosnia & Herzegovina A green flag with a yellow crescent and star was used in a couple of brief periods of early independence from the Ottoman Empire. Then in 1878, it became part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire with red over yellow and the Sarajevo Coat of Arms. In 1908 the Coat of Arms was removed. In 1918, with the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, it became part of Yugoslavia and used that flag. In 1946 it became the People's Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, using a red flag with flag of Yugoslavia at top-left. This remained the flag until 1991. After a brief provisional flag, a new flag was chosen that would be acceptable to all with yellow fleur de Lis on a blue shield. This waa replaced by the current one in 1998. 1831-32, 1878 1878-1908 1908 - 1918 1946 - 1991 1991-92 Provisional 4 May 1992 - 1998

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , eh.Lenin.ru , FlagsDB.com and WorldAtlas.com

 

1867-1947 and 1990 on

Romania Though the flag colours date from the unification of the principalities of Moldova and Wallachia back in 1859, rearranged in 1862 and then made vertical in 1867. That pattern remained to this day except that during the period 1948 to 1989, central Arms were added. Initially they were inscribe "RPR" (Romanian Peoples Republic) in white at the bottom, in 1952 a red star was added at the top, then in 1965 the lettering became "ROMANIA"

1859 - 1862

1862 - 1866

1852 - 1865

Further information can be found at Britannica.com and FlagsDB.com.

 

Greece In 1821, Greece declared independence from the Ottoman Empire and needed a National Flag. Many people had already improvised flags. The basic colour of the modern flag is thought to derive from the flag of the 1769 uprising, a blue cross on white, though white on blue came to be preferred. The shade of blue varied at times, sometimes quite dark like durung the Junta, 1970-75. For certain purposes a gold crown was added to the middle of the cross.

1769 + 1821

1822 - 1970

Further information can be found at Britannica.com, FlagsDB.com and GreekCityTimes.com.

 

From 5 October 1995 North Macedonia From early days, Macedonian regions were part of the Ottoman Empire. The Ilinden uprising of 1903 at the town of Kruševo led to the creation of the short-lived (August to October) Republic of Krushevo and proposed national flag. It was soon back under Ottoman rule, until that collapsed in 1918 when it became part of Yugoslavia. In 1944 it became the People’s Republic of Macedonia and in 1963 a Socialist Republic. From 1946 to 1991 it had a Coat of Arms. In 1992 it replaced the 5-pointed star with a 16-pointed “Vergina star”, an ancient symbol found in the Royal tombs of Vergina. Due to protests and pressure from Greece, the flag was changed to the current one and the name of the country was changed in 1995. The current size of North Macedonia is about one-third of the Macedonian regions of the Ottoman Empire. Krushevo flag 1903 Krushevo Republic 1903 1944-46 1946-63 PRM, 1963-91 SRM CoA 1946-1991 1992-1995

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , GoToFlags.com , eh.Lenin.ru and FlagsDB.com

 

From 2002 Albania Albania proclaimed independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912 In 1914, with WWI, Greece took control of the area, until 1917 when they were driven out by Italy. The Paris Peace Conference of 1919 awarded the area to Greece. However it reverted to Albanian control in November 1921, when Greece was defeated by Turkey. There was a Republic until 1928 and then a Kingdom until 1939, at which point WWII saw Italy taking control, followed by German occupation in 1943-4. From 1944 to 1946 was a Provisional Government, apparantly under Soviet control. 1946-1978 was the People's Republic of Albania, then 1978-1991 the People's Socialist Republic of Albania. In 1991 it became the Republic of Albania again. 1912-1914 1915 1925-28 1928-1939 1939-1943 'FERT'. Provisional Govt. 1944-6 1946 1976 1944-91 CoA Provisional 1991

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , Alchetron.com , DetailedPedia.com and eh.Lenin.ru

 

Turkey Turkey adopted this Ottoman Empire flag in 1844. The flag dates from 1793, when the colour was changed to red (the secular colour) from green (the religious colour). At that time it had an 8-pointed star which was changed to 5 about 1844. The Crescent and star are ancient symbols of both Turkey and Islam without reliable information on origin.

Further information can be found at Britannica.com, FlagPedia.net and EdArabia.com.

 

1835 onwards

Tunisia, Part of the Ottoman Empire, then a French Protectorate from 1881 to independence in 1956. The French Tricolour was probably also used.

Ottoman 1705-1827

Bey 1827-1881

French 1881-1885

Apologies for the Bey flag. All I could find were what looked like poor interpretations of a poor specification, so this is my interpretation.
Further information can be found at Britannica.com , Eh.Lenin.ru and DetailedPedia.com

 

From 3 July 1962

Algeria From the 1930's to 1963 there were many variants of the current flag, with some having added nationalistic slogans against French Rule from 1830, but there seems to have been no National Flag as such before Algeria became independent after a war from 1954 to 1962.

Further information can be found at Britannica.com and DetailedPedia.com

 

2006 onwards

Cyprus Until 1878 Cyprus was under Ottoman control. The British Union Jack was then flown until 1881 when replaced by blue ensigns. A provisional flag was introduced in 1960 and soon updated. In 2006 the laurel branches and flag shape were changed. Supposedly other changes were made in 2010. Part of the island in the north has an unofficial Turkish flag.

Until 1878

1881 - 1922

1922 - 1960

1960

1960 - 2006

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , FlagsDB.com , Eh.Lenin.ru and JustAboutCyprus.com

 

From 1984

Egypt The current flag dates from 1984, simple crescent and stars on a red flag have been used since 1517, initially with a 7-pointed star, then 5-pointed from 1844 followed by three such crescent and stars from 1914, then a single crescent with 3 stars on green from 1923. After that gold eagles on red, white and black in 1971, with an eagle change to the current flag in 1984

1914 - 1923

1923 - 1958

1971 - 1984

Further information can be found at Britannica.com and FlagMakers.co.uk.

 

From 1948

Israel The current flag dates from 1948, and appears to be the only official flag used, though there have been a few unofficial ones.

Further information can be found at Britannica.com

 

From 2008

Iraq The current flag dates from 2008 when the 3 stars were removed. The previous flag of 2004 had "Allah Akbar" in traditional script. Prior to that from 1991 it was in the handwriting of Saddam Hussein. Prior to that, from 1963 it was just 3 stars representing Iraq, Syria and Egypt.

1963-91

1991-2004

2004 - 2008

Further information can be found at Britannica.com and FlagsDB.com

 

From 15 March 1973 Another 1973 version Saudi Arabia On 23 September 1932, Abdulaziz proclaimed the union of the main Saudi dominions of al-Hasa, Qatif, Nejd and the Hejaz as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.. It also included Jabal Shammar to the north of Nejd-Hejez. The new flag reflected the Nejd-Hejez flag of the time but the specifications of the flag construction deal only with the placement of parts, what the wording should be and that the direction the sword points in is the direction the text reads in (right to left) on both sides. Caligraphy is a fine art and left to the flag manufacturer, similarly the style of sword hilt. This creates a lot of variability. Shammar 1835 - 1920 Shammar 1920 - 1921 Hejaz 1916 - 1925 Hejaz 1925 - 1926 Nejd 1744 - 1887 Nejd 1902 - 1921 Nejd/Hejez 1921 - 1932 A later version had two swords. The wording, the Shahada, translates as “There is no god but God; Muhammad is the prophet of God.” Since the Shahada is considered sacred, extra rules aply to the use of the flag. It may not be flown at half mast or sideways. Nejad 1921 – 1926 Nejd 1926 – 1932 Saudi Arabia 1938-c60 Saudi Arms 1950

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , FOTW.info , Flagmakers.co.uk and Eh.Lenin.ru , FlagsDB and DetailedPedia.com

 

25 April 1995

Oman The current flag, dating from 17 December 1970, is derived from the red flag of the Sultanate of Oman and Muscat 1955-1970, the white flag of the Imamate of Oman 1913-1955 and green to represent fertility of the land. The Coat of Arms date from about 1940. The original flag, dated from 17 December 1970 with 3:2 width/height ratio and narrow red bar was changed in 1995 to 2:1 ratio and equal width bars. Other ratios are sometimes used.

Imamate of Oman with Arms

1970 - 1995

Coat of Arms

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , FOTW.info , Eh.Lenin.ru and Marefa.org

 

From December 1971.

United Arab Emirates On 2 December 1971, six of the Trucial Oman states, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Sharjah and Umm al-Quwain united to form the United Arab Emirates. Raʾs al-Khaymah, additionally joined on 11 February 1972. The colours are taken from the Arab Revolt Flag of 1917.

Trucial 1853-1971

Arab Revolt flag 1917

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , Eh.Lenin.ru and FlagsDB.com

 

18 April 1928 onwards

Jordan, The current flag dates from 18 April 1928 when a 7-pointed white star was added and the aspect ratio changed. They are based on the "Arab Revolt" flag (see United Arab Emirates).

first flag 1921-1928

Arab Hashemite Union 1958

Druze minority

Arab Revolt flag 1917

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , Eh.Lenin.ru , DetailedPedia.com and FlagsDB.com

 

From October 18, 1948

Palestine The area was part of the Ottoman Empire from the 15th Century until about 1915. The British used modified red and blue ensigns along with the Union Jack from about 1927 until 1948. In 1948, the all-Palestine Government adopted the flag of the Arab Revolt, which had had the order of its colours changed in 1922.

1927 - 48

1927 - 48

Arab Revolt flag 1917-1922

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , MOFA.pna.ps and WorldHistory.org

 

9 July 1971 onwards

Qatar, The current flag has been used since independence, September 1, 1971.Prior to that, from the 18th century to 1860 just plain red flags were used. In 1932 there was a change to burgundy. Size ratios have also changed, now it has an unusual length to width ratio of 28 : 11. The previous flag, 1949 to 1971 was the same except with a 30:11 ratio.

1860-1916 and 1916-32

1916 (2:1 ratio)

1932-36

1936-49 with قطر (Qatar)

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , Eh.Lenin.ru , DetailedPedia.com and FlagsDB.com

 

14 February 2002 onwards

Bahrain, From ancient times a plain red flag was used. A treaty with the British brought a degree of peace, with states agreeing to the terms adding a white strip to their flag. No further details were specified. At some later date the border between the colours became embelished by some, though it seems to have been a matter of choice. In 1972 after independence in August 1971, a standard was set and in 2002 the standard was changed

until 1820 or later

1820 to 1972

1972or earlier to 2002

Further information can be found at Britannica.com and EdArabia.com

 

From 11 August 1947

Pakistan The flag was adopted 11 August 1947. The green is the Islamic religious colour from antiquity. The white stripe was supposedly "reflects the founders' desire to create a country that respects and protects the rights of people of different religious backgrounds" - Tell it to the Bengalis of East Pakistan, now Bangladesh for a reason.

Further information can be found at Britannica.com and FlagsDB.com

 

from 17 January 1972

Bangladesh, Pakistan was in two parts. The West part was the largest and mostly muslim. They wanted to have only a single official language throughout the whole of Pakistan. East Pakistan had a large number of Bengalis that wanted their language to also be official. The government in West Pakistan would not accept that and war ensued. The end result was that East Pakistan became Bangladesh. In the early days of the disagreement a provisional flag was created to rally support. it featured gold silhouette map of East Pakistan. That was removed on the 1972 flag. The red disc is centered 45% of the way down the flag which has a 5:3 aspect ratio..

1971

Further information can be found at Britannica.com , OZoutback.com.au , WorldFlags101.com and DetailedPedia.com

 

 

 

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Last updated 1st. June 2025

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