List of national flags by design

A national flag is a flag that represents and symbolizes a country. Flags come in many shapes and designs, which often represent something about the country or people that the flag represents. Common design elements of flags include shapes such as stars, stripes, and crosses, layout elements such as including a canton (a rectangle with a distinct design, such as another national flag), and the overall shape of a flag, such as the aspect ratio of a rectangular flag (whether the flag is square or rectangle, and how wide it is) or the choice of a non-rectangular flag. Sometimes these flags are used to represent languages.

Many countries with shared history, culture, ethnicity, or religion have similarities in their flags that represent this connection. Sets of flags in this list within the same category may represent countries' shared connections, or the design similarity may be a coincidence.

One circle on hoist

 * (autonomous territory of Denmark)
 * (French overseas collectivity)
 * (French overseas collectivity)
 * (French overseas collectivity)
 * (French overseas collectivity)

One broken or implied circle

 * (2013–2021)
 * (associated state of New Zealand)
 * (various organisations)
 * (overseas territory of France)
 * (unincorporated territory of US)
 * (various organisations)
 * (overseas territory of France)
 * (unincorporated territory of US)

Coat of arms

 * (2013–2021)
 * (civil flag is without the arms)
 * (civil flag is without the arms)
 * (civil flag is without the arms)
 * (civil flag is without the arms)
 * (civil flag is without the arms)
 * (civil flag is without the arms)
 * (civil flag is without the arms)
 * (civil flag is without the arms)
 * (civil flag is without the arms)
 * (civil flag is without the arms)
 * (civil flag is without the arms)
 * (civil flag is without the arms)
 * (civil flag is without the arms)
 * (civil flag is without the arms)
 * (civil flag is without the arms)
 * (civil flag is without the arms)
 * (civil flag is without the arms)
 * (civil flag is without the arms)
 * (civil flag is without the arms)
 * (civil flag is without the arms)
 * (civil flag is without the arms)
 * (civil flag is without the arms)
 * (civil flag is without the arms)
 * (civil flag is without the arms)
 * (civil flag is without the arms)
 * (civil flag is without the arms)
 * (civil flag is without the arms)
 * (civil flag is without the arms)
 * (civil flag is without the arms)
 * (civil flag is without the arms)
 * (civil flag is without the arms)
 * (civil flag is without the arms)
 * (civil flag is without the arms)
 * (civil flag is without the arms)
 * (civil flag is without the arms)

Facing fly

 * (autonomous region in the Philippines)
 * (autonomous republic of Uzbekistan)
 * (recognized only by Turkey)
 * (partially recognized)
 * (autonomous republic of Uzbekistan)
 * (recognized only by Turkey)
 * (partially recognized)
 * (recognized only by Turkey)
 * (partially recognized)
 * (partially recognized)

Upright centred cross

 * — Gamma cross
 * — Greek cross
 * — Jerusalem cross
 * — Greek cross

Saint George's Cross

 * (UK constituent country)
 * (UK crown dependency)
 * (UK constituent country)

Nordic Cross in two colors

 * (1397–1523)
 * (province of Sweden)
 * (1397–1523)
 * (province of Sweden)

Nordic Cross in three colors

 * (autonomous region of Finland)
 * (autonomous territory of Denmark)

Diagonal cross

 * (1976–1977)
 * (1976–1977)
 * (1976–1977)

St. Andrew's Cross

 * (UK crown dependency)
 * (UK constituent country)
 * (1707–1801)
 * (1707–1801)

Upright and diagonal centred crosses

 * (autonomous community of Spain)
 * (1707–1801)
 * (1707–1801)
 * (1707–1801)

One cross in emblem

 * (UK overseas territory)
 * (UK overseas territory)
 * (UK overseas territory)
 * (UK overseas territory)
 * (UK overseas territory)
 * (UK overseas territory)
 * (UK overseas territory)

Historically

 * (1868–1921)
 * (1921–1957)
 * (1957–1965)
 * (19th century)
 * (1928–1994)
 * (1776–1777)

Additionally, the Union Jack features in many territorial and sub-national flags. These are often Red Ensigns (e.g., ) or Blue Ensigns (e.g., and ). A small number have backgrounds of other colors (e.g. and ) or a unique pattern in the field (e.g.  and ). A small number put the Union Jack somewhere other than the canton (e.g. ). Unofficial flags, such as also use it.

Human and body parts

 * (partially recognized)
 * (UK crown dependency)
 * (partially recognized)
 * (UK crown dependency)
 * (partially recognized)
 * (UK crown dependency)
 * (partially recognized)
 * (UK crown dependency)
 * (UK crown dependency)

Bird

 * (UK overseas territory) — sea gulls and turtles
 * — condor and llama
 * (external territory of Australia) — golden bosun
 * — sisserou parrot
 * — condor
 * — White pelican and yellow lion
 * — quetzal
 * — frigatebird
 * — raggiana bird-of-paradise
 * (UK overseas territory) — Saint Helena plover
 * (constituent country of the Netherlands) — pelican
 * — grey crowned crane
 * — Zimbabwe Bird

Eagle

 * — double-headed eagle
 * (state version) — eagle
 * — Eagle of Saladin
 * (state version) — eagle
 * — steppe eagle
 * — eagle and snake
 * — eagle and aurochs
 * — double-headed eagle and lion
 * (state version) — eagle
 * — double-headed eagle
 * (US overseas territory) — eagle
 * — African fish eagle

Livestock

 * — two cows
 * — condor and llama
 * — leopard, goat and marten
 * (UK overseas territory) — sheep
 * — St. George on a horse, fighting a dragon.
 * — eagle and aurochs
 * — horse

Lion

 * — pelican, yellow lion
 * (self-governing dependency of the UK) — lion
 * — double-headed eagle, lion
 * — lion
 * — golden lion
 * (Australian state) — lion

Historically
 * — lion, fish
 * — lion
 * — lion
 * – lion and sun

Plants

 * — palm, laurel and olive branches
 * — maple leaf
 * — olive branches
 * — clove of nutmeg
 * — olive branch
 * — silk-cotton tree
 * — sugarcane, coconut palm, banana
 * — royal palm tree
 * (special administrative region in China) — Hong Kong orchid
 * — Lebanon cedar
 * (special administrative region in China) — lotus flower
 * — cactus
 * — leaves of bodhi tree
 * — leaves of namele tree

Historically
 * — palm leaves
 * (1974–2010) — rice plant

Fleur-de-lis

 * (overseas department of France)
 * (province of Canada)
 * (1992–1998)
 * (overseas collectivity of France)

Sun

 * (Taiwan)
 * (Taiwan)
 * (Taiwan)
 * (Taiwan)

Moon

 * (1971–1997)
 * (1971–1997)
 * (1971–1997)
 * (1971–1997)
 * (1971–1997)

Weaponry

 * — machete
 * — (trident-head)
 * — kris (autonomous region of the Philippines)
 * — cannon, rifles and axe
 * — spears and shield
 * — rifles
 * — cannon
 * — spears and Maasai shield
 * — AK-47 with a bayonet and axe
 * — swords and Khanjar
 * — sword
 * — sword
 * — sword, sabre and three lances

Ships

 * (UK overseas territory)
 * (overseas collectivity of France)
 * (UK overseas territory)
 * (overseas collectivity of France)
 * (overseas collectivity of France)

Machine, tool, or instrument

 * — half-gear and machete
 * (state version) — broken chain, hammer and sickle (non-communist)
 * — axes, saw
 * (1959–1990) – hammer, compass
 * (UK overseas territory) — key
 * — Ashoka Chakra or wheel of Dharma
 * — hoe
 * (1974–2010) — gear
 * (1917–1991) — hammer and sickle
 * Flag of Transnistria (state).svg Transnistria — hammer and sickle
 * Flag of Transnistria (state).svg Transnistria — hammer and sickle
 * Flag of Transnistria (state).svg Transnistria — hammer and sickle
 * Flag of Transnistria (state).svg Transnistria — hammer and sickle
 * Flag of Transnistria (state).svg Transnistria — hammer and sickle
 * Flag of Transnistria (state).svg Transnistria — hammer and sickle
 * Flag of Transnistria (state).svg Transnistria — hammer and sickle
 * Flag of Transnistria (state).svg Transnistria — hammer and sickle
 * Flag of Transnistria (state).svg Transnistria — hammer and sickle
 * Flag of Transnistria (state).svg Transnistria — hammer and sickle
 * Flag of Transnistria (state).svg Transnistria — hammer and sickle
 * Flag of Transnistria (state).svg Transnistria — hammer and sickle
 * Flag of Transnistria (state).svg Transnistria — hammer and sickle
 * Flag of Transnistria (state).svg Transnistria — hammer and sickle
 * Flag of Transnistria (state).svg Transnistria — hammer and sickle
 * Flag of Transnistria (state).svg Transnistria — hammer and sickle

Map

 * (1971)
 * (external territory of Australia)
 * (partly recognized)
 * (partly recognized)
 * (partly recognized)

Building

 * (2013–2021) — mosque
 * — church (Chapel of the Sacred Heart of Jesus)
 * — Angkor Wat
 * (UK overseas territory) — castle
 * (sun with the roof of the traditional Kyrgyz yurt)
 * — seven castles
 * — three castles
 * (constituent country of the Netherlands) — courthouse
 * — castle

Book

 * — Bible
 * — book

Headgear

 * (1920–1939) — King's Crown
 * — Mokorotlo
 * — Crown
 * — Crown
 *  (unrecognized micronation) — Crown
 * — Crown
 * — Crown
 * — Papal tiara

Other symbols

 * — Soyombo symbol
 * — Letter R, 1962–2001
 * — Three diamonds in a V pattern
 * — Taegeuk and four black trigrams
 * — Hand holding Leading Torch, 1971–1997

One five-pointed star in center

 * (recognized only by Turkey)
 * (partially recognized)
 * (unrecognized)
 * (1946–1992)
 * (recognized only by Turkey)
 * (partially recognized)
 * (unrecognized)
 * (1946–1992)
 * (recognized only by Turkey)
 * (partially recognized)
 * (unrecognized)
 * (1946–1992)
 * (partially recognized)
 * (unrecognized)
 * (1946–1992)
 * (unrecognized)
 * (1946–1992)
 * (1946–1992)
 * (1946–1992)
 * (1946–1992)
 * (1946–1992)
 * (1946–1992)

One five-pointed star on hoist

 * (autonomous community of Spain)
 * (unincorporated territory of US)
 * (partially recognized)
 * (unincorporated territory of US)
 * (partially recognized)
 * (unincorporated territory of US)
 * (partially recognized)
 * (unincorporated territory of US)
 * (partially recognized)
 * (unincorporated territory of US)
 * (partially recognized)
 * (partially recognized)

Many equal five-pointed stars

 * (partially recognized) (7)
 * (7 full stars and 2 half-stars)
 * (4)
 * (State Flag) (7)
 * (4)
 * (5)
 * (5)
 * (partially recognized) (6)
 * (2)
 * (3)
 * (2)
 * (2)
 * (5)
 * (5)
 * (2)
 * (7)
 * (5)
 * (9)
 * (50)
 * (12)
 * (8)

Many equal five-pointed stars in circle pattern

 * (10)
 * (associated state of New Zealand) (15)
 * (10)
 * (international organisation) (12)

Many unequal five-pointed stars

 * (27)
 * (7)
 * (4)
 * (associated state of New Zealand) (5)
 * (5)
 * (5)
 * (5)
 * (special administrative region of China) (5)

One six-pointed star

 * (Netherlands Caribbean)

Many equal six-pointed stars

 * (3)
 * (6)
 * (3)

One many-pointed star

 * (7)
 * (14)
 * (24)
 * (12)
 * (12)
 * (8)

Many many-pointed stars

 * (one 5-pointed star, five 7-pointed stars)

Stars and alternating stripes

 * (autonomous community of Spain)
 * (unincorporated territory of US)
 * (partially recognized)
 * (unincorporated territory of US)
 * (partially recognized)
 * (partially recognized)
 * (partially recognized)
 * (partially recognized)

Stars and varying stripes

 * (partially recognized)
 * (unrecognized)
 * (partially recognized)
 * (unrecognized)
 * (partially recognized)
 * (unrecognized)
 * (partially recognized)
 * (unrecognized)
 * (partially recognized)
 * (unrecognized)
 * (partially recognized)
 * (unrecognized)
 * (partially recognized)
 * (unrecognized)
 * (partially recognized)
 * (unrecognized)
 * (partially recognized)
 * (unrecognized)
 * (unrecognized)
 * (unrecognized)
 * (unrecognized)
 * (unrecognized)

Stars in southern cross pattern

 * (external territory of Australia)
 * (external territory of Australia)

Country name

 * (state flag)
 * – the text reads "Jumhūriyyat Miṣr al-ʿArabiyyah" in Arabic meaning "Arab Republic of Egypt".
 * (unincorporated territory of US)
 * (overseas department of France)
 * (state flag)
 * (state flag)
 * (state flag)

Motto

 * (under an unrecognized government) – the Shahada (an Islamic creed meaning "There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his Prophet") written in the Thuluth script.
 * – "VIRTVS VNITA FORTIOR", Classical Latin for "United virtue is stronger".
 * – "Sub Umbra Floreo", meaning "Under the Shade I Flourish" in Latin.
 * – "Ordem e Progresso", meaning "Order and Progress" in Portuguese.
 * – "Unidad, Paz, Justicia", meaning "Unity, Peace, Justice" in Spanish
 * – the Takbir ("Allahu akbar", which means "God is [the] greatest") written in the  Kufic script 11 times.
 * – the Takbir written in the Kufic script.
 * – "LIBERTAS", Latin for "Freedom".
 * – the Shahada (an Islamic creed meaning "There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his Prophet") written in the Thuluth script.
 * – the Shahada
 * – "PLVS VLTRA", Latin for "Further beyond".

Country name and motto

 * (2013–2021) – the lowest line of text reads Afghanistan in the Pashto alphabet, and the calligraphic text at the top is the Shahada with the Takbir written beneath it.
 * – the line of text on the crescent reads "Always render service with God's guidance", while the lower line reads Brunei Darussalam, both in the Jawi script.
 * – the name of the country encircles the coat of arms, which features the motto "Dios, Unión, Libertad" (Spanish for "God, Unity, Freedom") inside.
 * – the motto "Dios, Patria, Libertad" (meaning "God, Homeland, Freedom" in Spanish) can be read above the coat of arms at the center, below is the name of the country.

Other texts

 * – the name of the short lived and unrecognized state "California Republic", which preceded California's admission into the Union.
 * – the Bible is opened to the Gospel of John, chapter 8, verse 32, which reads “Y la verdad los hará libres”, which translates to “And the truth shall set you free” from Spanish.
 * – "Libertad 15 de septiembre de 1821", a combination of the Spanish word for "Freedom" and the date of independence of the former Federal Republic of Central America from Spain.
 * – "L'union fait la force" (meaning "Union makes strength" in French), which is different from the country's official motto "Liberté, égalité, fraternité".
 * – "For Gallantry" can be read at the George Cross carried in the canton.

Upper left quarter

 * (Taiwan)
 * (Taiwan)
 * (Taiwan)
 * (Taiwan)
 * (Taiwan)

Historically

 * (1918–1921)
 * (1951–1990) (Constituent republic of the Soviet Union)
 * (1990–2004)
 * (1974–2010)

Vertical stripe on hoist

 * (1744–1818; 1822–1913, hoist at right)
 * (1852–1902)
 * (1839–1845)
 * (autonomous community of Spain)
 * (partially recognized)
 * (1744–1818; 1822–1913, hoist at right)
 * (1852–1902)
 * (1839–1845)
 * (autonomous community of Spain)
 * (partially recognized)
 * (autonomous community of Spain)
 * (partially recognized)

Two equal squares and two equal rectangles meeting on hoist

 * (autonomous region of Finland)
 * (autonomous territory of Denmark)
 * (1397–1523)
 * (province of Sweden)
 * (1397–1523)
 * (province of Sweden)
 * (province of Sweden)
 * (province of Sweden)

Four equal rectangles meeting at center

 * (UK constituent country)
 * (UK crown dependency)
 * (UK crown dependency)
 * (UK crown dependency)

Triangle(s) in center

 * (6 making shape, 2 to draw it)
 * (6 making shape, 2 to draw it)
 * (6 making shape, 2 to draw it)

Triangle(s) on hoist

 * (autonomous community of Spain)
 * (overseas department of France)
 * (unincorporated territory of US)
 * (partially recognized)
 * (constituent country of the Netherlands)
 * Tigray (national regional state of Ethiopia)
 * (republic of Russia)
 * (overseas department of France)
 * (unincorporated territory of US)
 * (partially recognized)
 * (constituent country of the Netherlands)
 * Tigray (national regional state of Ethiopia)
 * (republic of Russia)
 * (overseas department of France)
 * (unincorporated territory of US)
 * (partially recognized)
 * (constituent country of the Netherlands)
 * Tigray (national regional state of Ethiopia)
 * (republic of Russia)
 * (constituent country of the Netherlands)
 * Tigray (national regional state of Ethiopia)
 * (republic of Russia)
 * Tigray (national regional state of Ethiopia)
 * (republic of Russia)
 * (republic of Russia)

Triangles meeting at center

 * (autonomous community of Spain)
 * (UK crown dependency)
 * (UK constituent country)
 * (1976–1977)
 * (UK crown dependency)
 * (UK constituent country)
 * (1976–1977)
 * (1976–1977)

Two diagonal stripes

 * (external territory of Australia)
 * (external territory of Australia)

Many radiating diagonal stripes

 * (6)
 * (3)
 * (4)
 * (5)

Equal

 * (UK constituent country)
 * (UK constituent country)
 * (UK constituent country)
 * (UK constituent country)
 * (UK constituent country)
 * (UK constituent country)
 * (UK constituent country)
 * (UK constituent country)
 * (UK constituent country)
 * (UK constituent country)
 * (UK constituent country)
 * (UK constituent country)
 * (UK constituent country)
 * (UK constituent country)
 * (UK constituent country)
 * (UK constituent country)
 * (UK constituent country)
 * (UK constituent country)

Unequal

 * (1951–1991)
 * (UK overseas territory)
 * (1950–1992)
 * (1950–1992)

Equal

 * (1918–1919, 1991–1995)
 * (1918–1919, 1991–1995)
 * (1918–1919, 1991–1995)
 * (1918–1919, 1991–1995)

Thin-and-thick

 * (overseas collectivity of France)
 * (unincorporated territory of US)
 *  (unrecognized)
 * (unincorporated territory of US)
 *  (unrecognized)
 *  (unrecognized)
 *  (unrecognized)
 *  (unrecognized)
 *  (unrecognized)
 *  (unrecognized)
 *  (unrecognized)

Equal

 * (partially recognized) (7)
 * (autonomous community of Spain) (9)
 * (5)
 * (9)
 * (11)
 * (14)
 * (unincorporated territory of US) (5)
 *  (unrecognized micronation) (18)
 * (5)
 * (13)
 * (9)
 * (partially recognized) (13)

Unequal

 * (5)
 * (1949–1975) (7)

Equal

 *  (unrecognized, 1992–2023)
 * (autonomous region in the Philippines)
 * (autonomous region in Iraq)
 * (overseas collectivity of France)
 * (partially recognized)
 *  (unrecognized)
 * (partially recognized)
 * (semi-autonomous region in Tanzania)
 * (autonomous region in Iraq)
 * (overseas collectivity of France)
 * (partially recognized)
 *  (unrecognized)
 * (partially recognized)
 * (semi-autonomous region in Tanzania)
 * (autonomous region in Iraq)
 * (overseas collectivity of France)
 * (partially recognized)
 *  (unrecognized)
 * (partially recognized)
 * (semi-autonomous region in Tanzania)
 * (overseas collectivity of France)
 * (partially recognized)
 *  (unrecognized)
 * (partially recognized)
 * (semi-autonomous region in Tanzania)
 * (overseas collectivity of France)
 * (partially recognized)
 *  (unrecognized)
 * (partially recognized)
 * (semi-autonomous region in Tanzania)
 * (partially recognized)
 *  (unrecognized)
 * (partially recognized)
 * (semi-autonomous region in Tanzania)
 *  (unrecognized)
 * (partially recognized)
 * (semi-autonomous region in Tanzania)
 *  (unrecognized)
 * (partially recognized)
 * (semi-autonomous region in Tanzania)
 * (semi-autonomous region in Tanzania)
 * (semi-autonomous region in Tanzania)
 * (semi-autonomous region in Tanzania)
 * (semi-autonomous region in Tanzania)
 * (semi-autonomous region in Tanzania)
 * (semi-autonomous region in Tanzania)



Unequal

 * (1974–1978)
 * (disputed)
 * (disputed)
 * (disputed)

Five equal horizontal stripes in five colors

 * (1912–1928) (Taiwan)

Two unequal vertical stripes

 * (Constituent republic of the Soviet Union)

Three unequal vertical stripes

 * (Australian external territory)
 * (Australian external territory)

Three equal vertical stripes

 * (2013–2021)
 * (1962–2001)
 * (1962–2001)
 * (1962–2001)
 * (1962–2001)
 * (1962–2001)
 * (1962–2001)
 * (1962–2001)
 * (1962–2001)
 * (1962–2001)
 * (1962–2001)
 * (1962–2001)
 * (1962–2001)
 * (1962–2001)

Unique aspect ratio
Most common aspect ratio is 2:3, followed by 1:2.

The following flags have a distinctive aspect ratio:


 * Aspect ratio of 13:15
 * Aspect ratio of 189:335
 * Aspect ratio of 4:5
 * The only national flag that is not rectangular, being made with 5 sides, and the only one that is higher than wide. Bordering aspect ratio of ~ 6:5
 * Aspect ratio of 6:7
 * The largest aspect ratio of any national flag, the flag's width 2.545 times as large as the height. Aspect ratio of 11:28
 * (Square-shaped) Aspect ratio of 1:1
 * The golden ratio which is roughly around 1.618035 ; Aspect ratio of 2:3.23607 or ~ 8:13
 * Undefined. The aspect ratio is usually defined around 1:1. However, it is not exactly 1:1.