World FlagsFacts, figures and information about the world's flags !

World flags have an incredible amount of importance and symbolism to people all over the globe. They can be flown as a sign of peace and war, or hung as a sign of ceremonial importance, or defaced as a sign of hatred and violence; people have rallied behind flags as a symbol of unity or dissidence alike. Flags have the ability to stir great emotions in all kinds of people, and on a local scale they can represent different groups or organizations. Flags demonstrate ideology and history, and their creation tells about a country or organization� s background and beliefs.

Historically, flags were first flown in battle to let troops know specific information while they were on the field. They were often used to show troop location or organization, and many times they displayed a family coat of arms or house symbol. Countries soon began to adopt flags as well, essentially derived from coat of arms or other religious symbols, but they were usually only used during war. By the beginning of the 17th century ships began to fly their country� s flag peacefully to help identify the vessel, but it was not for several hundred years that flags became to be used casually during times of peace. Many European flags were derived from medieval wartime symbols.

The American flag, also one of the most recognizable flags in the world, was officially adopted in 1777. After the American Revolutionary War citizens began to fly the flag casually during times of peace, which not only increased its demand but also led to its adoption as a general representation of America. After, other countries soon adopted this relaxed stance of displaying their flags too, although this would eventually be used as a propaganda tool for countries trying to nationalize their entire population under a similar goal. From a vexillological standpoint, the American flag is also laden with symbolism. The stripes represent the original colonies while the stars represent the current states, and the colors were carefully chosen to indicate freedom, liberty, and the cost of these ideals.

Oftentimes major events shape the image of national flags. Germany adopted their flag after WWII to contrast starkly with the Nazi flag; after the Revolutionary War, the US adopted a flag that represented the original thirteen colonies; the Brazilian flag symbolizes what the stars looked like the exact moment the Brazilian monarchy was dethroned. For other countries the flag represents the tenants their country holds most dearly, such as the yin-yang and purity, hope, and peace on the South Korean flag, which contrasts with their northern neighbor� s flag.

World flags have incredible importance to countries and to the people that inhabit them. They are a way to unify people under a common symbol, although sometimes this effect has been abused. Nevertheless, flags are extremely important, not just for countries, because they are a way to represent a group of people under a common theme, ideology, or belief system.

Shop for FlagsWorldFlags.com proudly recommends AmericanFlags.com if you are looking for world flags. Their flags are proudly Made in America, their prices are great and AmericanFlags.com sells top quality flags for less money than other online retailers and much less than big box stores or airport shops.

As you choose a flag, understand that economy lightweight polyester flags are great for indoor use or temporary outdoor use. If, however, you are looking for a sturdier, weather-resistant flag for outdoor use, we recommend that you purchase a nylon flag. Nylon is the most popular fabric choice for both outdoor and indoor flags. Nylon is light and durable, stands up well to the elements, and dries quickly. Because it� s light, it flies well in the slightest breeze and has a bright appearance in sunlight.

If you are an American, we strongly urge you to display the American flag, along with another country flag of your choosing. Just please keep in mind, that when flags of countries, states, cities, localities, or pennants of societies are flown on the same halyard with the flag of the United States, the latter should always be at the peak. When the flags are flown from adjacent staffs, the flag of the United States should be hoisted first and lowered last. No such flag or pennant may be placed above the flag of the United States or to the right of the flag of the United States.

When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height. The flags should be of approximately equal size. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace.

When displayed from a staff in a church or public auditorium, the flag of the United States of America should hold the position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and in the position of honor at the clergyman� s or speaker� s right as he faces the audience. Any other flag so displayed should be placed on the left of the clergyman or speaker or to the right of the audience.

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