1. WORLD MAP(see back endpaper for Europe and Caribbean detail)

2. This page intentionally left blank 3. COMPLETEFLAGSOF THE WORLD 4. LONDON, NEW YORK, MELBOURNEMUNICH, AND DELHIThis book was produced in association with The Flag Institute, UK.We would like to dedicate this book to the late Dr. William G. Crampton,Director of the Flag Institute, without whom it would not have been possible.Vexillology artwork and consultants Graham Bartram, Michael FaulEditorial Contributors Roger Bullen, Debra Clapson, Wim Jenkins, Simon MumfordUS Editor Charles WillsrDesigners Tony Cutting, Carol Ann Davis, Yahya El Droubie, Karen Gregory, Nicki LiddiardSystems Coordinator Philip RowlesrManaging Editor David RobertsrManaging Art Editor Karen SelfrArt Director Bryn WallsPublisher Jonathan MetcalfrProduction Controller Rita SinharFirst published in the United States in 1997 as The Ultimate Pocket Flags of the Worldby DK Publishing, 375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 1001408 09 10 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1CD278 - November/2008Reprinted with Revisions 1998. Second Edition 1999. Third Edition 2002. Fourth Edition 2005.Reprinted with Revisions 2006. Fifth Edition 2008.Copyright 1997, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2008 Dorling Kindersley Limited. All rights reserved.Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may bereproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means(electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), without the prior written permissionof both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.Published in Great Britain by Dorling Kindersley Limited.A catalog record for this book is available from the Library of Congress.ISBN-13: 978-0-7566-4115-3DK books are available at special discounts when purchased in bulk for sales promotions, premiums,fund-raising, or educational use. For details, contact: DK Publishing Special Markets, 375 HudsonStreet, New York, New York 10014 or SpecialSales@dk.com.Color reproduction by Altaimage Ltd., London, UKPrinted and bound in China by L.Rex Printing Co., Ltd.Discover more atwww.dk.com 5. ContentsIntroduction ............................................................... 5 AFRICATypes of ags/Parts of the ag ................ 67Morocco/Algeria ........................................ 5657 Tunisia/Libya ................................................ 5859 Egypt/Sudan ................................................ 6061 Eritrea/Djibouti ......................................... 6263 Ethiopia/Somalia ...................................... 6465NORTH & CENTRAL AMERICAUganda/Kenya ............................................ 6667Canada Rwanda/Burundi ...................................... 6869National and subnational ags ............... 810 Central African Republic .............................. 70United States of America Dem. Rep. Congo .............................................. 71National and subnational ags ............. 1119Niger/Chad .................................................... 7273Mexico/Guatemala ................................... 2021 Mauritania/Mali .......................................... 7475Belize/El Salvador ..................................... 2223 Senegal/Gambia .......................................... 7677Honduras/Nicaragua ............................... 2425 Cape Verde/Guinea-Bissau ................. 7879Costa Rica/Panama ................................. 2627Guinea/Sierra Leone .............................. 8081Jamaica/Cuba ............................................... 2829 Liberia/Ivory Coast ................................. 8283Bahamas/Haiti .............................................. 3031 Burkina/Ghana ........................................... 8485Dominican Republic ........................................ 32 Togo/Benin .................................................. 8687St. Kitts & Nevis .................................................. 33Nigeria/Cameroon .................................. 8889Antigua & Barbuda/Dominica ......... 3435 Equatorial Guinea .............................................. 90St. Lucia ..................................................................... 36 So Tom & Prncipe ........................................ 91St. Vincent & the Grenadines ..................... 37Gabon/Congo ............................................. 9293Barbados/Grenada .................................... 3839Angola/Zambia .......................................... 9495Trinidad & Tobago ............................................ 40Tanzania/Malawi ...................................... 9697 Zimbabwe/Mozambique ..................... 9899 Namibia/Botswana .............................. 100101 Lesotho/Swaziland ............................... 102103 South Africa/Seychelles .................... 104105SOUTH AMERICA Comoros/Madagascar ....................... 106107Colombia .................................................................. 41 Mauritius ................................................................ 108Venezuela/Guyana .................................... 4243Suriname/Ecuador .................................... 4445Peru .............................................................................. 46Brazil National and subnational ags ............ 4750EUROPEChile ............................................................................. 51 Iceland ..................................................................... 109Bolivia/Paraguay ........................................ 5253Norway/Denmark ................................. 110111Uruguay/Argentina .................................. 5455 Sweden/Finland ...................................... 112113 6. Estonia/Latvia .......................................... 114115Jordan/Saudi Arabia ............................ 180181Lithuania/Poland ................................... 116117 Yemen/Oman ......................................... 182183GermanyUnited Arab Emirates/Qatar ........ 184185National and subnational ags ....... 118120Bahrain/Kuwait .................................... 186187The NetherlandsIraq/Iran ..................................................... 188189National and subnational ags ....... 121123Turkmenistan/Uzbekistan .............. 190191Belgium/Ireland .................................... 124125 Kazakhstan/Mongolia ....................... 192193United Kingdom Kyrgyzstan/Tajikistan ........................ 194195National and subnational ags ...... 126130 Afghanistan/Pakistan ......................... 196197France ........................................................................ 131Nepal/Bhutan ......................................... 198199Luxembourg/Monaco ........................ 132133 India/Maldives ...................................... 200201Andorra/Portugal ................................. 134135 Sri Lanka/Bangladesh ...................... 202203SpainMyanmar/Thailand ............................ 204205National and subnational ags ....... 136138 Laos/Cambodia .................................... 206207Italy ............................................................................ 139 Vietnam ................................................................. 208Malta/Vatican City .............................. 140141 MalaysiaSan Marino ........................................................... 142 National and subnational ags ...... 209211SwitzerlandIndonesia/East Timor ........................ 212213National and subnational ags ....... 143147 Singapore/Brunei ................................. 214215Liechtenstein ....................................................... 148 Philippines/Taiwan ............................. 216217Austria China/North Korea ........................... 218219National and subnational ags ....... 149150 South Korea/Japan .............................. 220221Hungary .................................................................. 151Czech Republic/Slovakia ................ 152153Slovenia/Croatia ..................................... 154155Bosnia & Herzegovina ................................... 156Montenegro .......................................................... 157AUSTRALASIA & OCEANIASerbia/Kosovo ......................................... 158159AustraliaAlbania/Macedonia ............................. 160161 National and subnational ags ...... 222223Bulgaria/Greece ..................................... 162163Vanuatu/Fiji ............................................. 224225Romania/Moldova .............................. 164165 Papua New Guinea/Belarus/Ukraine .................................... 166167Solomon Islands ................................ 226227Russian Federation Palau/Micronesia ................................ 228229National and subnational ags ....... 168171Marshall Islands/Nauru ................... 230231 Kiribati/Tuvalu ..................................... 232233 Samoa/Tonga .......................................... 234235 New Zealand ....................................................... 236ASIA International ags................................ 237238Azerbaijan/Armenia ............................ 172173Turkey/Georgia ...................................... 174175 Index............................................................239240Lebanon/Syria ......................................... 176177Cyprus/Israel ........................................... 178179 7. IntroductionFlags are part of everyday life.more important in politics. ManyThey are used by countries, newly-independent states chooseprovinces, cities, internationalags based on those of the politicalbodies, organizations, andparties which secured independence.companies.Revolutionary movements usuallyhave their own ags, and privateEARLY FLAGS and professional organizations areThe earliest known ags were used increasingly adopting ags.in China, to indicate different partsThis book deals with national,of the army. In Europe ags began international and subnational ags,with the Roman vexillum, a square and national coats of arms, and isag used by Roman cavalry, from arranged continent by continent.which the term vexillologytheAmong national ags are the statestudy of agsoriginated. In theensign and ag, for government useMiddle Ages, heraldry becameonly on sea and land; the civilimportant as a means of identifying ensign and ag, for private andkings and lords. The distinctivecommercial use; and the navalcoats of arms which developed ensign, own by warships.were used as ags, and some still Subnational ags may beexist today.of states (USA), provinces (Canada),cantons (Switzerland), overseasFLAGS FOR IDENTIFICATIONterritories, or other such areas.The most signicant development ofags was for use at sea. Ships ewKEY FLAGS IN WORLD HISTORYags for identication at a distance, Throughout history certain agsand many of the rules of ag-usehave become the inspiration ofdeveloped at sea. Some well-known others, starting with the Stars andags were designed specically forStripes in 1777 (see pages 1112) ;naval use, including the Dutch andwhich has inspired more ags thanSpanish ags (see pages 121 & 136)any other. The same degree ofand the International code ags (seeinuence has been exercised bypage 238), which were used by ships the French Tricolore from 1794,to communicate with each other. (see page 131), the Dutch Tricolor(see page 121) and its major derivativePOLITICAL FLAGS the Russian Tricolor (see page 168)With the growth of independentwhich gave rise to most of the agsnation states, ags have become of eastern Europe. 5 8. Types of flags SALTIRESCANDINAVIAN CROSSA diagonal cross stretching from corner to A cross with the upright set closer to thecorner of the ag. hoist than to the y.CROSSCOUPED CROSS OR SALTIREA cross is vertical, centrally placed, and A cross or saltire which ends short of theextends across the whole ag.edges of the ag is couped. SERRATION QUARTEREDA narrow strip of color separating two A ag divided into four equal sections ofbroader stripes or larger areas. differing design. FIMBRIATED BICOLORA narrow strip of color separating two A ag of two stripes of different colors,broader stripes or larger areas. either horizontal or vertical. TRICOLORTRIBARA ag of three stripes of three colors, either A ag of three stripes of two colors,horizontal or vertical.horizontal or vertical. TRIANGLEBORDEREDA ag divided by a triangle of a different A ag where the central color is surroundedcolor, usually at the hoist. by a different color.6 9. Parts of the flagFIELD: Thebasic area orCANTON: The cantonbackground colorstrictly refers to anyof the ag quarter of the ag,but it commonly means the upper quarter FLY: The part of the nearest the staff ag furthest from the staff; the part which ies in the wind CHARGE: Any emblemSTAFF: The pole from placed on the eldwhich the ag is ownor added to the basic design of the agHOIST: The part of RATIO describes the relativethe ag closest to the proportions of height against width.staff; the part used toFor example, ratio: 1:2 represents ahoist or raise the ag ag twice as wide as it is high.Heraldic termsCREST: The element which WREATH or TORSE: The appears at the extreme top of rope of colors placed above the arms, above the shieldthe helmet or shield CHIEF: The topMANTLING: The stripsthird of shieldof cloth hanging or ying from the wreath SUPPORTERS: The SHIELD: The basic unitgures, human or animal, on which the coat ofwhich hold the shieldarms is portrayedSCROLL: The stripusuallyCOMPARTMENT: Thebelow the shieldwhich base, often a mound, oncontains the motto which the shield stands7 10. North AmericaCanadaRatio: 1:2 Adopted: February 15, 1965 Usage: National and Civil A stylized maple White leaf has beenrepresents theCanadas national snowy northemblem for over of Canada150 yearsRed represents the sacrice made byCanadians during the First World War Canada became a nation in 1867 when four colonies united. Later, six other provinces and two territories joined the Confederation.The Royal Standard shows theTHE NEW MAPLE LEAF FLAGArms of Canada, with the personal Pearsons Pennant did not meet withemblem of Queen Elizabeth II. universal approval, and consensus wasThe quarters show the arms of only reached on the idea of the mapleEngland, Scotland, Ireland, and leaf and on the use of the nationalFrance, the historical origin for the colors. The result was the Maplemajority of European settlers toLeaf Flag which was adopted byCanada. The lowest stripe shows Parliament in 1965. The Union Flagthe red maple leaf which is Canadasis often own to show Canadas linksnational emblem.with the United Kingdom. CANADIAN ROYAL STANDA RD T The quarters of the shield represent England, Scotland,The maple leaves Ireland and Francerepresent Canadas the homelands of national emblem many Canadian people8 11. North AmericaProvincial flagsThe date when each province joined the Confederation is shown below the province name.ALBERTA TBRITISH COLUMBIA19051871The shield dates from 1907 and was placed This ag, adopted in 1960, is an armorialon a blue eld to make a ag in 1967. Theanner of the arms, granted in 1906. Theshield depicts a scene from the vast wheatun placed over heraldic waters, representslands of the west under a St. Georges Cross. he provinces position on the west coast.MANITOBA NEWFOUNDLAND1870 & LABRADOR 1949The ag is intended to recall and to preserve The colors of the ag represent all aspects ofthe old Canadian Red Ensign, with he province, such as snow, ice, and the sea.Manitobas shield, depicting a buffalo on a The design is intended to recall the Unionrock, in the y. It was adopted in 1966.ack, the previous ag. NEW BRUNSWICKNOVA SCOTIA 1867 1867Another armorial banner, authorized Theoretically the oldest ag of ain 1965. The galley ship stands forritish Dominion. Nova Scotia meansshipbuilding, once an important industry, New Scotland. Its ag is a St. Andrewsand the lion represents New Brunswicks Cross in reversed colors, with theties to Britain. cottish Royal Arms.ONTA RIOT PRINCE EDWARD1867ISLAND1873The ag was adopted in 1965 and alsoThe ag is a banner of the arms grantedattempts to recall and preserve the n 1905. It depicts an island, with a greatCanadian Red Ensign. The shield is fromritish oak and its descendants, under thethe arms of 1868 and was the rst design torotection of a British lion.use a maple leaf. 9 12. North AmericaCanada: Provincial and official flags QUEBECSASK ATCHEWAN 18671905Adopted in 1948, this ag is a modernAdopted in 1969, the ag combines theversion of the Fleurdelys, an old French-rovincial shield (representing forestsCanadian ag. The eur-de-lis ower isnd grain) with the oral emblem, thesymbolic of France.western red lily.NORTHWEST NUNAVUTTERRITORIES 19991870The ag was a competition winner in 1969.The gure on this ag symbolizes the stoneIt contains the shield from the arms adopted monuments used to mark sacred places. Thein 1956. The lakes are represented by blue,North Star represents the leadership of thesnow by white.ommunitys elders.YUKONCAPE BRETON ISLANDTERRITORY19941898Accepted in 1967, the ag uses the 1956This competition-winning ag wascoat of arms. Forests, snows and waters dopted in 1994 by Cape Breton inare symbolized by the colors.Nova Scotia. The bird is a bald eagle.LABRADOR THE UNION FLAG OF 16061801The spruce sprigs on this regional ag When the USA became independent,denote the three races of the largerome people refused to give up theirNewfoundland & Labrador Province.British nationality. Known as United mpire Loyalists, they moved to Canada. To honor them, the Union Flag in theGOVERNOR-GENERALattern of that time is often own.OF CANADA1981This ag, dating from 1981, does not use theBritish Royal Crest; it has its own crest of alion with a maple leaf.10 13. North AmericaUnited States of AmericaRatio: 10:19 Adopted: 1960 Usage: National and CivilThe 50 stars stand for each of13 stripes standthe current statesfor the originalof the Union13 colonieswhich formedthe UnitedStates If a new state joins the Union a star is added the following July 4 The United States was formed when 13 colonies rose against the British in 1775. They declared their independence from Britain on July 4, 1776.The rst ag used by the Americansdesign and color combination waswas an adaptation of the British Redsoon copied by other new nations.Ensign, known as the Grand UnionThe Stars and Stripes is anFlag, (see page 12). From this all-purpose ag, but the USA is richdeveloped the distinctive Stars andin ags of many other kinds.Stripes, as it known today, whichstill has the 13 stripes for each of theTHE PRESIDENTS STA NDARD Toriginal colonies to join the Union,The Presidential standard, in useand a star for each state which is nowtoday, contains the Presidentspart of the USA. The latest star wasversion of the national arms, and aadded on July 4, 1960, after Hawaii ring of 50 stars. The coat of armsbecame a state in 1959. depicts a spread eagle holding a shieldin the style of the Stars and Stripes,A TRULY NATIONAL FLAG 13 arrows, and 13 olive leaves,The ag of 1777 (see page 12), marked indicating the country is prepared fora break with old colonial ties. Iteither war or peace. The motto Ebecame the rst of a new kind ofPluribus Unum, meaning Out ofag, one which was truly a national many, one, reects the federalag in the modern sense. Its basicnature of the United States.11 14. North AmericaUSA: Historical flagsThe ags of the War of Independence and of the Civil War still have an inuenceon the American ags of today. THE GRANDTHE FIRST STARS T UNION FLAG AND STRIPESThe rst American ag was adapted fromOn June 14, 1777, the Union Jack wasthe British Red Ensign of the time. It wasemoved from the ag in favor of a blueknown as the Grand Union Flag, i.e. of anton with 13 stars, representing a newthe Union of 13 colonies. These were onstellation, which now also representedrepresented by the 13 stripes of red andhe United States. This was the rst use ofwhite. The ag was introduced intars in this way, and set a precedent forDecember 1775 for use on land and at sea. many later ags. THE FLAG THE FLAG OF 1795OF 1818When two new states joined the Union ive new states were formed after 1795,in 1795, two new stars and two new ut a new ag was not designed until 1817stripes were added to the ag, making when Congress decreed that in future only15 stripes and 15 stars. This set a precedentew stars would be added and it wouldfor adding new stripes and stars when eachevert to 13 stripes, in order to preserve thenew state joined the Union. The ag soon ppearance of the ag. The new stars werebecame known as the Star Spangled dded on July 4, 1818, and this system hasBanner. een followed ever since.THE STARS T THE BATTLE FLAG ORAND BARS FLAG OF THE SOUTHWhen Southern states seceded from the The Battle Flag with its distinctive saltireUnion in 1860-61, a new ag for then a red eld (Southern Cross) wasConfederacy was hoisted on March 3, ntroduced in September 1861, specically1861. Known as the Stars and Bars, it or use in battle. On land it was squareoriginally had 7 stars, but these increased with a white border, but the rectangularto 13 in the course of 1861, as more statesaval version, without a border, is nowjoined the Confederacy.ccepted as The Flag of the South.12 15. North AmericaUSA: State flagsThe date when each state joined the Union is shown below the state name.ALABAMA ALASK A18191959This ag, which was adopted in 1895,The ag was designed by a Native Americanshows a red saltire on a white eld. It ischoolboy in 1926, when Alaska was still aintended to recall the Southern Cross orerritory. It depicts the Plow and theBattle Flag of the Confederate States. orthern Pole star. Gold also representsAlaskas mineral reserves. ARIZONAARK ANSAS 1912 1836The red and yellow rays recall the period The ag recalls the Southern Cross.of Spanish rule and the copper star standsThe lower stars represent former colonialfor mineral riches. The ag was designed owers and the upper star stands for thelocally and adopted in 1927.Confederacy. The ag was adoptedn 1913.CALIFORNIACOLORADO18501876The ag is based on that of the CaliforniaThe C-shaped emblem contains theRepublic declared at Sonora in 1846; itolors of Spain, which once laid claimdid not become the state ag until 1911.o this area. The gold ball also representsIt depicts a grizzly bear and a starhe states mineral riches. The ag wasfor freedom. dopted in 1911. CONNECTICUTDELAWARE 1788 1787The arms date back to the seal of 1784, The arms date back to 1777 and theand the blue eld to the Civil War period, ag, adopted in 1913, includes the datewhen the ag was a Union color. ThisDelaware joined the Union. The colorsdesign was adopted in 1897. ecall the uniforms worn during theWar of Independence. 13 16. North AmericaUSA: State flagsThe date when each state joined the Union is shown below the state name.DISTRICT OF FLORIDACOLUMBIA18451791The ag of the Federal District ofThis is another ag which recalls theColumbia is based on a banner of the armsouthern Cross used by the Confederacyof the Washington family, which originated uring the Civil War. The original ag,in England and dates back to 1592. It wasdopted in 1868, had only the seal, the redadopted in 1938 by a Congress Commission. altire was added in 1900. GEORGIA HAWAII 17881959The new state ag for Georgia was The state ag, originally representing theintroduced in 2003, following objectionsndependent kingdom, was adopted in 1845.to the inclusion of the Confederate ag onThe Union Jack recalls a ag given to thethe previous two designs. The three barsKing by an army ofcer in 1793. The stripesevoke pre-1956 versions of the ag.and for the main islands. IDAHO LLINOIS 1890 1818The ag was originally a military color and Created in 1915, the central emblem of thebears the state seal in the center; beneath it islinois ag, depicts elements from the statea scroll with the states name. The ag in this eal, including a bald eagle and a shield ofform was adopted in 1927, with newhe Stars and Stripes. The name was addedspecications in 1957. eneath this in 1970. NDIANA OWA18161846The ag was the winning entry in a design The red, white and blue colors stand forcompetition held in 1916, and wasrench Louisiana, of which Iowa was once aofcially adopted in 1917. The stars in twoart. In the center is the seal of 1847. Thearcs are for the original states and the ag was adopted in this form in 1921.subsequent ones.14 17. North America K ANSAS KENTUCK Y 18611792The ag of Kansas follows a very commonAnother ag derived from the militiaseal and name pattern. The original ag ofolors. The ag was adopted in 1918 and1925 had the seal, recalling settlement andegularized in 1962. Like many state agsagriculture, and a sunowerthe statecontains the seal, the state name and aower. The name was added in 1963. wreath of goldenrod, the state ower.LOUISIANAMAINE1812 1820The pelican, representing self-sacrice and theThe ag dates from 1909 when the arms,states role as a protector, has long been the badgedopted in 1820, were placed on a blue eld.of Louisiana, but the ag was only adopted inThe star and motto recall Maines northerly1912 and slightly modied in 2004. The ocation. It was the northernmost state of theAcadians or Cajuns also have their own ag. nion, until Michigan joined in 1837.MARYLANDMASSACHUSETTS17881788This is the only ag which is a true heraldicThe ag was originally adopted in 1908 andbanner, reproducing the arms of the Baltimoreevised in 1971, replacing a pine tree withfamily, once the proprietors of the state. he coat of arms adopted in 1780. The arms,Each side of the family is represented by two epicting a Native American holding a bow,quarters. It was adopted in 1904. ow appears on both sides of the ag.MICHIGANMINNESOTA18371858The arms was adopted in 1832, andThe motto on this ag The North Star,placed on a blue eld to make the statewas retained from when the state wasag in 1911. The mottoes mean I willhe northernmost in the Union. Thedefend, and If you seek a pleasantag was originally adopted in 1893 andpeninsula, look about you.evised in 1957. 15 18. North AmericaUSA: State flagsThe date when each state joined the Union is shown below the state name. MISSISSIPPIMISSOURI 1817 1821The ag of Mississippi was adopted inThe colors of the ag recall when the region1894. It combines both the Confederacys was under French control. The 24 stars standSouthern Cross with the stripes of its rstor Missouri being the 24th state to join theag, the Stars and Bars, although on the Union. Within the seal itself are another 24ag of Mississippi the upper stripe is blue.ars. The ag was adopted in 1913. MONTANA NEBRASK A 18891867The ag is derived from the former state The ag of Nebraska was adopted in 1925militia colors, while the motto Gold and nd uses the seal which was adopted in 1867.Silver is in Spanish, recalling Spains claim This depicts an allegorical landscape,to the area. The ag was adopted in 1905 ymbolic of the states agricultural andand had the name added in 1981.ndustrial development. NEVADANEW HAMPSHIRE 18641788The ag emerged from a designThe design was adopted in 1909, makingcompetition and was adopted in 1929. It se of the seal, which dates back to 1775.was revised in 1991 and the state name was depicts a ship, the Raleigh, being builtplaced underneath boughs of the sagebrush n the docks of the town of Portsmouthand the star, which represents the state. uring the War of Independence. NEW JERSEYNEW MEXICO 17871912The buff eld recalls the uniforms wornThis most distinctive ag was adopted induring the War of Independence. The ag 925 and uses the sun symbol of the Ziawith the arms was adopted in 1896 and ueblo Indians, while the colors representmade generally available in 1938.he Spanish colonial era.16 19. North America NEW YORKNORTH CAROLINA 17881789The ag dates originally from ags used in The original ag was adopted in 1861 atthe War of Independence, but in this formhe outbreak of the Civil War, and was inonly from 1901. Prior to that the ag had ahe same colors as the Stars and Bars. Thebuff eld. The two gures symbolize liberty resent design dates from 1885. It containsand justice. The coat of arms dates from 1777. he initials of the state in the blue stripe.NORTH DAKOTA OHIO1889 1803The ag was originally used by the state The pennant-shaped ag of Ohio is derivedmilitia, the North Dakota Infantry, and wasrom a cavalry guidon of the Civil Waradopted in 1911, almost without alteration, eriod. The 17 stars recall that Ohio was theexplaining its squarish shape. In the center7th state to join the union and the circle oris a version of the national arms.O refers to the states initial.OKLAHOMAOREGON19071859The basic design emerged from a design This is now the only state ag with acompetition and was adopted in 1925. Theifferent design on its reverse. The obversename was added in 1941. The Native hows the seal within 33 stars, the statesAmerican emblems, all symbols of peace, ame and its date of admission. The reverserecall the previous name, Indian Territory.hows a beaver. It was adopted in 1925. PENNSYLVANIA RHODE ISLAND 1787 1790The coat of arms of the state was adopted in The anchor, symbolic of hope, has long1777 and regularized in 1875. It was placed een the emblem of Rhode Island. The ag,on a blue eld to make the ag in 1907. The ased on a War of Independence ag, wasshield is supported by two horses.dopted in 1877 and modied in 1897.17 20. North AmericaUSA: State flagsThe date when each state joined the Union is shown below the state name. SOUTH CAROLINA SOUTH DAKOTA 1788 1889The ag was adopted in 1861 at the very The ag of South Dakota was adopted in 1963start of the Civil War, but contains n the basis of previous models and had theemblems used during the War oformer motto The Sunshine State aroundIndependence and also used in the state he seal. This was changed to The Mountarms. The central palmetto is the state tree. Rushmore State in 1992.TENNESSEE TEX AS17961845The three stars are for the three The ag copies the colors of the Stars andgeographical divisions of the state, tripes, but with only one star, which dateswhilst its general appearance recallsack to one on the plain blue ag of thethe Battle Flag or Southern Cross.Republic of Texas. It was adopted in 1839The ag was adopted in 1905. nd retained after Texas joined the Union. UTAH VERMONT 1896 1791The beehive in the ag recalls the emblem The arms, including the Lone Pine emblem,of the Mormon state of Deseret, located in ate back to when Vermont was independentUtah and the date recalls their settlementrom 177791. The present ag, based onof the region. The present ag dates from he former militia ag, was adopted in 1923.1911, and uses the seal adopted in 1896.The state name appears on a scroll.VIRGINIA WASHINGTON1788 1889The state arms was adopted in 1776. The Washington is known as The Evergreenseal, showing Liberty Triumphing overtate and this is reected by its ag. It is theTyranny, was placed on the ag in 1861 nly state with a green ag. The seal datesat the start of the Civil War. The design rom 1889 and was placed on thehas been used ever since.ag in 1923.18 21. North AmericaUSA: State and overseas territory flagsThe date when each state joined the Union is shown below the state name. WEST VIRGINIA WISCONSIN 18631848 The coat of arms dates from 1863 whenThe ag is derived from the militia colors of West Virginia seceded from Virginia. The he Union in 1863. It depicts the state current version of the ag was adopted ineal, supported by a miner and a sailor. 1929 and has the arms within a wreath of The shield also recalls mining and sailing. rhododendron, the state ower. The name and the date were added in 1980.W YOMING MERICAN SAMOA1890 The ag emerged from a designA self-governing US dependency, American competition and was adopted in 1917. Theamoas ag shows its links with the guardian ag has been revised several timesat one ate, in the colors and the American bald time the buffalo containing the arms facedagle. Here the eagle carries Samoan the y. The colors recall the national ag. mblems. GUAM NORTHERNMARIANA ISLANDS The ag was designed locally and adopted The original ag was adopted in 1972, in 1917. In the center of the ag, in the USut has undergone several modications, colors, is the seal of the territory, whichncluding the addition of the ower-wreath. depicts an idealized landscape. The ag cant also depicts a gray latte stone representing only be own with the US ag.he islands Chamorro culture. PUERTO RICO VIRGIN ISLANDS (US) The resemblance of this ag to that of CubaThe ag dates from 1921 and uses part of the is no coincidence, since the two wereUS seal, with the initials of the islands. The designed at the same time, by the same hree arrows in one claw stand for the main activists. This version was adopted in 1952.lands; in the other claw is an olive branch. 19 22. North AmericaMexicoRatio: 4:7 Adopted: November 2, 1821 Usage: National and CivilThe basic design is Red, white, andderived from the green are the colorsFrench Tricoloreof the nationalliberation army in MexicoThe coat of arms incorporatesthe badge of Mexico CityNorth AmericaMexico was conquered by Spain in the 16thcentury, but broke away in 1821 to form a CentralAmerican state. It became a republic in 1822.France was the inspiration of thoseTHE AZTEC INHERITANCEwho detached Mexico from Spain The central emblem is the Aztecin 1821 and they devised a new pictogram for Tenochtitln (nowtricolor based on the ag of the Mexico City), the center of theirliberation army. At that time theempire. It recalls the legend whichItalian tricolor was not in use. inspired the Aztecs to settle on what The coat of arms on the centerwas originally a lake-island.stripe distinguishes the ag from The form of the coat of arms wasthat of Italy. most recently revised in 1968.ARMS OF MEXICOAztec legend held thatthey should found theircity on the spot wherethey saw an eagle on a The lake with an cactus, eating a snake island, representsTenochtitlnRibbon in thenational colors20 23. North AmericaGuatemalaRatio: 5:8 Adopted: August 17, 1871 Usage: National and StateBlue and white arethe colors of theoriginal ag of theUnited Provincesof CentralThe coat ofAmericaarms was adoptedin 1968North AmericaGuatemala declared independence at the sametime as Mexico and, in 1823, became part of aunion with the other Central American states.In Guatemala the ag of the UnitedTHE QUETZAL BIRDProvinces of Central America, The new coat of arms shows thehorizontal stripes of blue, white, blue quetzal, Guatemalas most famouswas used until 1851, when a pro-bird, standing on a scroll givingSpanish government added the redthe date of the Declaration ofand yellow of Spain to the ag. OnIndependence. The present formAugust 17, 1871, the original colorsof the arms was adopted in 1968.were restored as vertical stripes, andWhen used at sea for civil purposes,with Guatemalas own coat of arms.the ag does not contain the arms.ARMS OF GUATEMALA The quetzal birdwith its distinctive The date of thetail-feathers is aDeclaration ofsymbol of libertyIndependenceRies and swords represent defenceof freedom 21 24. North AmericaBelizeRatio: 3:5 Adopted: September 21, 1981 Usage: National and CivilThe coat of arms wasgranted in 1907 Blue is the partyThe 50 leaves recallcolor of the PUP1950, the year thePUP came to powerPRed stripes were added to denotethe color of the opposition partyNorth America Belize was originally known as British Honduras, a colony formed in 1862 from settlements on the coast of Guatemala.British Honduras obtained a coat ofminus the Union Jackon a whitearms on January 28, 1907, whichdisc in the center. The colors wereformed the basis of the badge used onthose of the Peoples United PartyBritish ensigns. The coat of arms(pup). Around the arms was a wreathrecalls the logging industry which of 50 leaves, recalling 1950, when therst led to British settlement there.pup came to prominence. From 1968 onward an unofcialOn independence in 1981, thenational ag was in use. It was blue ag was retained but red was addedwith a modied version of the arms to stand for the opposition party.ARMS OF BELIZE Wreath of 50 leavesThe gures, tools, and themahogany tree represent the logging industry National motto Sub Umbra Floreo meaning I Flourish in the Shade22 25. North AmericaEl SalvadorRatio: 1:2 Adopted: May 17, 1912 Usage: National and StateThe ag ismodeled on theag of the UnitedThe title of theProvinces of state while it wasCentral Americapart of the United Provinces of Central America surrounds the emblem The emblem is surrounded by ve ags, recalling theoriginal ve United Provinces of Central AmericaNorth AmericaEl Salvadors ag recalls the colors of the UnitedProvinces of Central America, used followingindependence from Spain in 1823.The ag of Central America was TRIANGLES AND VOLCANOESused as the national ag until 1865, The coat of arms is similar to thosewhen a ag based on the Stars andof the United Provinces of CentralStripes was adopted, with blue and America. The emblem is based onwhite stripes and a red canton the Masonic triangle for equality,containing nine stars. and depicts the ve original provinces In 1912 the original design was with ve volcanoes. Around there-adopted, with the arms of triangle are ve national ags and aEl Salvador in the center. wreath, tied in the national colors.ARMS OF EL SALVADOR A trianglerepresenting equalityThe Cap of LibertyThe motto ofCentral AmericaFive volcanoesDios, Union, representing theLibertad meaningoriginal united God, Union, Libertyprovinces23 26. North AmericaHondurasRatio: 1:2 Adopted: February 16, 1866 Usage: National and CivilThe colors andpattern are thesame as the agof the UnitedProvincesof CentralAmerica Five stars recall the ve original members of the United Provinces of Central AmericaHonduras was one of the Spanish colonies whichformed the United Provinces of Central Americain 1823. It became independent in 1838.In 1823 Honduras joined the The arms was created in 1838 andUnited Provinces of Centralrevised in 1935. The central feature isAmerica and adopted their ag. a pyramid in Maya style rising fromIn 1866 it was amended; ve blue the sea. Around this is a band withstars were placed in the center to the name of the state and the date ofrepresent the ve original Central the Declaration of Independence.American provinces. The state agBeneath it is a landscape strewn withhas the arms of Honduras in theallegorical items representing mineralcenter in place of the stars.and timber industries.ARMS OF HONDURASThe cornucopias areA Maya pyramidsymbolic of prosperityand agricultural wealthThe landscape depictsmines, mining tools,forests, and logging tools24 27. North AmericaNicaraguaRatio: 3:5 Adopted: September 4, 1908 Usage: National and CivilApart from thetext around thearms, the ag isidentical to thatArms of Nicaraguaof the UnitedProvinces ofCentral America America Central recalls the United Provinces of Central AmericaNorth AmericaNicaragua declared independence from Spain in1821. It was a member of the United Provinces ofCentral America from 1823 to 1838.The ag and the arms of Nicaragua in 1823 the title was Provinciasin use today are the most similar toUnidas del Centro de America.those used by the United Provinces In 1908 the decision to revertof Central America. The triangle, to the emblems used by the Unitedvolcanoes, rising sun, Cap of Liberty,Provinces of Central America wasand rainbow all appeared on the taken and reected Nicaraguasoriginal emblem. The coat of arms aspirations for the rebirth of theused today contains the name of the political entity formed by thestate, Republica de Nicaragua, whereasve nations.ARMS OF NICARAGUA The Cap ofThe rays of the sun andLiberty represents the rainbow are symbolicnational freedom of the bright future The ve volcanoes represent the original ve member states25 28. North AmericaCosta RicaRatio: 3:5 Adopted: September 29, 1848 Usage: National and StateBlue and white Red, white, andwere the colorsblue recall theof the originalcolors of theag of the United French TricoloreProvinces ofCentral AmericaNorth America Costa Rica was a signatory to the Declaration of Independence from Spain in 1821, joining the United Provinces of Central America (18231838).The Central American ag remained the red stripe, and later onin use in Costa Rica until 1848 when, an oval, set toward the hoist.in response to events in France, it wasThe coat of arms depicts thedecided to incorporate the French isthmus between the Pacic Oceancolors into the national ag. This wasand the Caribbean Sea. The starsdone by adding a central red stripe.stand for the seven provinces andThe coat of arms was also revised and the Central American union isplaced in the center of the ag. In recalled by America Central on the1906, it was placed in a white disc onupper scroll.ARMS OF COSTA RICA T America Central recalls the former United Provinces of Central AmericaThe Caribbean Sea Seven stars for the Three volcanoes onseven provincesthe isthmus The Pacic Ocean26 29. North AmericaPanamaRatio: 2:3 Adopted: November 3, 1903 Usage: National and CivilAlthoughBlue was theinspired bycolor of thethe Stars andConservativesStripes, the starsand red that ofand quarters are the Liberalssaid to representthe two mainpolitical partiesWhite symbolizes peace in the countryNorth America Panama, originally a province of Colombia, was detached in 1903 to secure the building of the Panama Canal within a US-controlled zone.The rst ag, proposed in 1903,new ag. Although clearly modeledconsisted of seven horizontal stripes of on the US ag, the stars and quartersred and yellow, with a blue canton are said to stand for the rival politicalcontaining two golden suns, joined byparties, and the white for the peace ina narrow line to depict the oceans towhich they operate.be united by the Panama Canal.The coat of arms reects Panamas However this was not accepted bytransition from civil war to peace, andthe Panamanian leader, Manuel A. the increased prosperity this promisedGuerrero, whose family designed athe people.ARMS OF PANAMAThe national mottoPro Mundi Beneciomeaning For the Benetof the WorldThe shield depicts tools,weapons, a cornucopia, and awinged wheel, which togetherThe northern and southern symbolize a move from war, hemispheres joined by theto peace and prosperity Panama Canal27 30. North AmericaJamaicaRatio: 1:2 Adopted: August 6, 1962 Usage: National and CivilBlack, green,Hardshipsand yellow there are butare also pan- the land isAfrican colorsgreen and the sun shineth is the localBlack reectsexplanation of hardships the ag Green represents Yellow recalls the the land sun shiningNorth America Jamaica was a British colony from 1655 until 1962. From 1958 onward it was part of the West Indies Federation, which was dissolved in 1962.The present design emergeda British colony. It was used on thefrom those sent in by the publicformer British ags of Jamaica.in a national competition. It wasoriginally designed with horizontal THE QUEENS STANDARD Tstripes, but this was too similar toThe ag for HM Queen Elizabeth II,the then Tanganyikan ag, and sowas introduced after independence.the saltire was substituted.It contains a banner of the arms, with The coat of arms, based on those the Queens Cypher in the center.granted to Jamaica on February 3, The eld depicts the red Cross of1663, is among the oldest granted toSt. George charged with pineapples. BANNER OF THE QUEEN OF JAMAICA The Royal Cypher St. Georges Cross is enclosed within achaplet of rosesThe four pineapples andross are taken from theArms of Jamaica28 31. North AmericaCubaRatio: 1:2 Adopted: May 20, 1902 Usage: National and CivilThe design isbased on the La Estrella US Stars and Solitaria Stripesthe Lone StarThe triangle comes from theMasonic symbol for equalityNorth AmericaCuba, the only communist state in the Americas,was a Spanish colony until 1898, when it wasceded to the USA. It gained independence in 1902.The ag was designed in 1848 for theprovinces of the time. The ag wasliberation movement, which sought briey hoisted in 1850 at Cardenas,to detach Cuba from Spain and makebut was not ofcially adopted untilit into a state of the USA. The Lone1902, when independence wasStar represented another star which granted by the USA.would be added to the splendid Another ag from the 19th centuryNorth American constellation.is that of Carlos Manuel de Cspedes,The triangle is derived from theused by the independence movementMasonic symbol for equality, whileof 186878. It is now used as the Jackthe ve stripes stand for the ve of the Cuban navy.FLAG OF CSPEDESThe ag is like that of This ag was alsoChile with the blue modeled on the Starsand red reversedand Stripes, using the same colors: blue, red, and white and a star in the canton 29 32. North AmericaBahamasRatio: 1:2 Adopted: July 10, 1973 Usage: National Black Blue representsrecalls thethe strength Caribbean of the people Sea Yellow reects the islands sandy beaches Originally a pirate base, the Bahamas became a formal British colony in 1783. It did not achieve independence until July 10, 1973.The colors of the ag are intended toseen, since many ships are registeredrepresent the aquamarine seas around in the Bahamas. The ag is based onthe islands and their golden sands.the British Red Ensignred withThe ag is based on designs by thea Bahamian national ag in theBahamian people. Many of those cantonbut is distinguished by thesubmitted also included the idea ofwhite cross, like the Cross ofsunrise, which has been incorporated St. George, across the red eld.into the coat of arms.The Bahamas has many other The Bahamas Civil Ensignags including one for the specic(own by merchant ships) is oftenuse of the Prime Minister. BAHAMAS CIVIL ENSIGNThe national ag isplaced in the cantonThe civil ensign isdistinguished fromgovernment andnaval ensigns byits red eld30 33. North AmericaHaitiRatio: 3:5 Adopted: May 18, 1803 Usage: National and CivilFor ofcial andBlue and redstate purposes the are taken fromag is charged the Frenchwith the national Tricolorearms on a centralwhite rectangleNorth America Haiti became a French colony in 1697, but in 1803 a rebellion broke out. Independence was granted on January 1, 1804.The blue and red of the ag were period from 196486, during theretained after a French Tricolore wasregime of the Duvalier family.torn up by the rebel Jean-Jacques Since 1843 the ag for ofcialDessalines in 1803. The two partsand state use has had the arms on awere stitched together horizontallywhite panel in the center. The coat ofto make a new ag. arms depicts a trophy of weapons However a rival ag of vertical ready to defend freedom, and a royalblack and red panels was also used atpalm topped with a Cap of Libertyvarious times, most recently in thefor the countrys independence.The Cap of LibertyARMS OF HAITIThe royal palmsymbolizesWeapons reect theindependencepeoples willingness to defend their liberty The national motto LUnion Fait La Force meaning Union is Strength 31 34. North AmericaDominican RepublicRatio: 2:3 Adopted: November 6, 1844 Usage: National and StateBlue and redare taken fromthe ag of Haiti,which oncecontrolled theThe coat of armsDominican only appears on theRepublicag for national andstate useThe cross of the Trinitarianindependence movementNorth AmericaA Spanish colony, briey occupied by Haiti (182044),the Trinitarian movement was formed to free thecountry. Dominican Republic was liberated in 1844.The ag was designed by the leader in 1844, was placed on the state ag.of the Trinitarians. He altered theThe civil ag, on both land and sea,layout of the blue and red of thedoes not carry the arms.Haitian ag, placing a large whiteThe arms depicts a Bible open atcross over it to symbolize faith.the rst chapter of St. Johns Gospel. This is placed on a trophy of nationalA DISTINCTIVE NATIONAL FLAGags, on a shield of the same design.To create distinct ags for state andThe Trinitarian motto is above thiscivil use, the coat of arms, adopted and the name of the state below.ARMS OF HAITI The password of theTrinitarian movementDios, Patria, Libertad Gospel of St. John, a(God, Country,Trinitarian emblemFreedom) The lower scroll contains the state title32 35. North AmericaSt. Kitts & NevisRatio: 2:3 Adopted: September 19, 1983 Usage: National and Civil Green is symbolic ofthe fertile land Two stars for hope and liberty Black recalls St. Red recalls the Kitts Africanstruggle for freedomheritage Yellow reects the countrys sunny climateA British colony in the Leeward Islands since 1873,Rico ST. KITTS & NEVISthe islands of St. Kitts and Nevis gained Dominicaindependence together in 1983.The ag was the winning entry in aliberty, not for the islands oflocal competition which attracted St. Kitts and Nevis.258 entries, and was the work of astudent, Edrice Lewis. It was she THE FLAG OF NEVISwho gave what is now the ofcialThe island of Nevis has a ag of itsinterpretation of the agthat itsown, which is bright yellow, with acolors stand for the fertile land, year-stylized image of Nevis Peak. Theround sunshine, the struggle fornational ag is in the canton.freedom, and the African heritage. St. Kitts also has an ensign for theThe two stars stand for hope andCoast Guard.THE FLAG OF NEVIS National ag in canton A graphic representation Yellow for year-longof Nevis Peak, a cone-sunshine shaped mountain in the center of the island33 36. North AmericaAntigua & BarbudaRatio: 2:3 Adopted: February 27, 1967 Usage: National and Civil Black recalls the islands AfricanheritageThe V-shape is thesymbol of victoryWhite symbolizes hopeThe rising sunrepresents a new eraBlue represents theCaribbean Sea From 1632 until formal independence was granted in 1981, Antigua and its neighbor Barbuda were British colonies.The ag dates from the achievementBarbuda, does not have a separateof self-government in 1967 and wasag, although there is one forthe winning design in a competition Redonda, an uninhabited islandwhich over 600 local people entered.whose throne is claimed by severalrival monarchs.THE SYMBOLISM OF THE FLAGThe designer, Reginald Samuel,THE NAT IONAL ARMS Ainterpreted it as representing the sunThe coat of arms was granted in 1977rising against the background of theand depicts a shield with a sugar mill,peoples African heritage in a newonce the primary industry, on aera. The overall V-shape stands for background of white and blue waves.victory. It is on a red backgroundAbove this is a sun on a blackwhich symbolizes the dynamism ofbackground. The shield stands on athe population. Blue is for the sea and sea island. The crest is a pineapplewhite is for hope.from the arms of the former colonyof the Leeward Islands, of whichTHE NEW NAT IONAL FLAG AAntigua was once a part. BeneathThe ag was retained unchangedis a scroll with the national mottowhen Antigua became independent.Each endeavouring, all achieving.34 37. North AmericaDominicaRatio: 1:2 Adopted: November 3, 1978 Usage: National and Civil WhiteYellow recalls symbolizes the the originalregions pureinhabitantswaterBlack is for the The sisserou fertile soilparrotunique to Dominica The stars represent the ten parishes First colonized by the French, Dominica came under British control in 1759. It became a British Associated State in 1967 and independent in 1978.The ag adopted in 1978 features Christian faith and its three colorsthe national bird emblem, therecall the native Indians, the fertilesisserou parrot, which also appears on soil, and the pure water. The tenthe coat of arms granted July 21,stars stand for the ten parishes and1961. This parrot is unique to the red disc for social justice.Dominica. It is an endangered The ag of the President has aspecies; only a few pairs remain.dark green eld with the coat of armsThe green eld represents thein the center, crowned with a Britishlush vegetation of the island. The lion. It depicts palm trees, ancross represents the Trinity and the indigenous frog and the sea.THE PRESIDENTS FLAGThe national motto is inCreoleAprs Bondie Cest La Ter meaningThe supporters are After the good Lord two sisserou parrots(we love) the soil 35 38. North AmericaSt. LuciaRatio: 1:2 Adopted: March 1, 1967 Usage: National and Civil The blue eldrepresents the seaThis symbolrepresents twinpeaks of thePitons, famousvolcanicmountainsNorth America St. Lucia, rst settled in 1605, was fought over by ST. LUCIA St. Vincent & the French and the British, nally being ceded toThe Grenadines Britain in 1814. It became independent in 1979.The ag was adopted when St. Lucia on white, for the twin cultures ofbecame a British Associated State in the island. On independence, the1967. It was designed by a local artist, ag was retained, but the height ofDunstan St. Omer. The blue eldthe yellow triangle was increased.represents the sea, from which ariseA new form of the arms was alsothe twin peaks of the Pitons said to adopted, symbolizing the nationalbe rising sheer out of the sea andmotto: The Land, the People, thelooking skywarda symbol ofLight. Apart from the Governor-hope. The yellow triangle stands forGenerals ag and that of the capital,sunshine and the black arrowhead Castries, no other ags are known. THE GOVERNOR-GENERALS STANDARDT The British RoyalThe states title is Crest of a crowned placed on the scrolllion standing on a St. Edwards Crown36 39. North AmericaSt. Vincent & the GrenadinesRatio: 2:3 Adopted: October 12, 1985 Usage: National and Civil Green represents the Blue recalls the skyislands abundant vegetationYellow representssunshineThe Gems ofthe AntillesNorth America St. Vincent was occupied by the British in 1762.ST. VINCENT& THEIt achieved independence in 1979, together withGRENADINES the Grenadines, a chain of adjacent islands.The basic design and colors of theA NEW NATIONAL FLAGag date from the ag hoisted onAfter a local competition failed tothe day of independence in 1979. It produce a satisfactory design, thehad the arms of the islands placedproblem was submitted to a Swisson a stylized breadfruit leaf in thegraphic artist who suggested what iscenter. Its blue, yellow, and green now the current design. In this, thestripes were derived from the V formed by the diamonds standscommon colors of the ags assignedfor St. Vincent, and the diamondsto the Associated States by the represent its local sobriquet theCollege of Arms. The breadfruit Gems of the Antilles.recalled the British introduction ofthe breadfruit tree into theARMS OF ST. VINCENTCaribbean from the South Seas.The coat of arms was rst introduced Although this rst ag was in 1912. It depicts two women, onedesigned by a local islander, the standing holding an olive branch, thedesign did not please all the people of other kneeling to represent peace andSt. Vincent and the Grenadines, and,justice, which is the national mottoin 1985, moves were made to securePax, Justitia. This appears on aa new design. scroll at the base. 37 40. North AmericaBarbadosRatio: 2:3 Adopted: November 30, 1966 Usage: National and CivilBlue representsthe sea The broken trident represents a break with the past Gold reects the golden sands of BarbadosNorth America St. Vincent& TheBarbados was rst settled by the British in 1627. It Grenadinesbecame a colony and achieved self-government in1961 and independence in 1966.The current ag was adopted at theARMS OF BARBADOStime of independence. It was theThe coat of arms was granted bywinning design in a nationalHM Queen Elizabeth II in 1966,competition, won by Grantleyon a visit to the island. The shieldPrescod, a local art teacher. depicts a bearded g tree, after whichthe island takes its name, between twoTHE SYMBOLISM OF THE FLAG Pride of Barbados owers. The crestPrescod interpreted the stripes asis an arm holding two sugarcanes inrepresenting the blue seas and thethe form of a St. Andrews Cross. Thisgolden sands which surround the commemorates independence, whichisland. The trident is adapted from the was achieved on St. Andrews Day,previous ag-badge which depicted November 30, in 1966.Britannia holding a trident (symbolic Barbados also has a Governorsof her rule over the seas). Here thestandard. It is the same as that of thetrident is without a shaft, indicating aGovernor of St. Lucia, which featuresbreak with the colonial past. It is alsothe Royal Crest of England withthe emblem of the sea god, Neptune, British lion (see page 36), except that itand reects the importance of the bears the title Barbados on the scrollsea to Barbados.beneath the Royal Crest.38 41. North AmericaGrenadaRatio: 3:5 Adopted: February 7, 1974 Usage: National and Civil A nutmeg, Grenadas most famous productThe central star and disc represent the capital St. Georges The six outer stars stand for the six parishesNorth America St. Vincent &The GrenadinesFirst settled by France, Grenada was invaded byBritain in 1762. It became an Associated State in1967 and fully independent in 1974.The ag used prior to independenceagriculture. When the ag is usedin 1967 also featured a nutmeg, at sea its proportions are altered fromsince Grenada is a major world3:5 to a longer form (1:2).supplier of this commodity, and isknown as the Spice Island.THE NATIONAL ARMS Other features of the ag derive The coat of arms depicts thefrom the coat of arms granted onSanta Maria, Columbus ship,December 6, 1973, including the a lion representing national liberty,red, yellow, and green colors.and a lily emblem symbolizingthe Virgin Mary. The shield isSYMBOLISM OF THE FLAG supported by two characteristic localThe yellow star on a red disc standscreatures, an armadillo and a ramierfor the Borough of St. Georges,pigeon. Beneath the shield is aGrenadas capital, and the other sixrepresentation of the Grand Etangstars for the remaining six parishes. lake, and, on a scroll at the base, In the ofcial interpretation thewhat must be one of the worldsred stands for courage and vitality,longest national mottos: Everthe yellow for wisdom and warmth, conscious of God we aspire, buildand the green for vegetation andand advance as one people.39 42. North AmericaTrinidad & TobagoRatio: 3:5 Adopted: August 31, 1962 Usage: National and Civil White representsthe seaBlack symbolizesthe strength ofthe peopleRed stands forthe peopleNorth AmericaTrinidad and Tobago were separate Britishcolonies, which united in 1889. They becameindependent in 1962 and a republic in 1976.The ag adopted at independence of arms depicts the three ships ofwas chosen from among designs sentColumbus who landed here in 1498.in by the public. The same colors are Above the ships are two goldenused in the arms. hummingbirds. The supporters of the A ag for HM Queen Elizabeth IIcoat of arms are also local birds andwas adopted after independence, the whole shield stands on a scenebut it became obsolete following thedepicting waves breaking againstformation of the republic.the rocky coasts of the islands. The President has a ag of blue Trinidad also has ags for thewith the arms in the center. The coat Prime Minister and other ministers. THE PRESIDENTS FLAGThe top of the The cocrico shield depicts twoa local birdhummingbirds In 1498 Columbus The scarlet ibis is one discovered Trinidad of many local birds and his ships appear on the shield40 43. South AmericaColombiaRatio: 2:3 Adopted: December 17, 1819 Usage: NationalThe colors areThe original yellowthose of Franciscoband was doubled inde Miranda, the width when Greaterliberation leaderColombia was formed Yellow recalls the federation of Greater ColombiaRed represents Blue represents courage independence from SpainSouth AmericaFollowing years of Spanish rule, Colombiabecame part of independent Greater Colombia in1819, and then a separate republic in 1830.The ag of Greater Colombia, used to distinguish it from the agadopted in 1819, was retained by of Ecuador. The state ag and navalColombia after independence in 1830. ensign have the arms in the center.For a while the stripes were arrangedvertically, but the original version THE NATIONAL ARMSwas restored in 1861.The coat of arms dates from 1834. There are two variant ags. The It includes a pomegranate, thecivil ensign has a red-bordered, bluesymbol of Granada in Spain, afteroval bearing a white star in the center, which the area was once named.ARMS OF COLOMBIAThe crest is a condorNational motto frequently used in SouthLibertad y OrdenAmerican heraldry meaning Libertyand Order The Cap of Liberty A pomegranate recallsNew Granada,Colombias former name A map of the when a Spanish colonyIsthmus of Panama 41 44. South AmericaVenezuelaRatio: 2:3 Adopted: March 10, 2006 Usage: National and CivilThe ag is mostsimilar to that ofliberation leaderStars represent theFrancisco de eight provincesMirandathat supported independence Red symbolizes courage Blue represents Venezuelas independence from SpainSouth America Venezuela was once part of the Spanish province of New Granada. It then joined Greater Colombia from 1819 until independence in 1830.The Venezuelan ag was the double width, for use as the aginvention of Francisco de Miranda, of Greater Colombia.who initiated the freedom ofAfter independence in 1836,New Granada in 1806. At that timethe ag reverted to stripes ofit had no stars; they were added inequal width and the stars were1836 to symbolize the provincesadded. The coat of arms datesthat had supported the Declaration from the 19th century but hasof Independence in 1811. The altered frequently, especially theoriginal plain tricolor was alteredinscription. The present form datesin 1819, to make the yellowfrom 2006.ARMS OF VENEZUELA Two horns of plentyThe wheatsheaf symbolize abundancerepresents fertility The ag and weaponsA running horserepresent independence andsymbolizes liberty the Native American people The name of the state,The arms appear in the Republica Bolivarianacanton of the state ag de Venezuela and naval ensign42 45. South AmericaGuyanaRatio: 3:5 Adopted: May 20, 1966 Usage: National and Civil Red recalls the Green recalls peoples dynamism the vast forests and zeal for reform and elds The Golden Yellow is symbolicArrow representsof mineral wealtha bright futureThe white and black mbriationswere added by the College of ArmsSouth AmericaVenezuela Guyana was acquired by the UK in 1814. ItGUYANAUYANA NAA S Surinameambecame independent in 1966 and a republic within Brazilthe Commonwealth in 1970.The ag is known as the Goldenzeal and dynamism [of theArrow because of the arrow-head inhabitants] in building the nation.that ies across the green eld. Theoriginal design had a red eld, butTHE PRESIDENTS STANDARDTthis was altered by the College of Adopted in 1970, it is a banner of theArms in 1966, which also added the arms granted in 1966. It depicts a greenblack and white mbriations. shield in the center charged with an The green and yellow stand forNative American crown in gold, anatural resources and the red for theVictoria lily and a native pheasant. THE PRESIDENTS STANDARDTThe Presidents agwas adopted in 1970, A Victoria Regiait is a square bannerwater lily, growing fromof the armsstylized heraldic waterCrown of a cacique, or Native American chief A native canje pheasant43 46. South AmericaSurinameRatio: 2:3 Adopted: November 25, 1975 Usage: National and CivilGreen and red werethe colors of thepolitical parties The whiteat the time ofmbriations representindependencejustice and freedomThe star is an emblemof unity and hopeSouth America Suriname was part of the Dutch kingdom until 1975. Since independence, there have been a series of coups and changes of constitution.The ag was chosen in 1975 by a separating the red and green, standparliamentary commission, on thefor justice and freedom.basis of designs sent in by thepublic. The object was to choose aTHE PRESIDENTS STANDARD Tag which harmonized the colors ofThis has a white panel in place ofthe main political groups (green andthe star and contains the state arms.red) into a design suggestive of unityThe coat of arms dates back to theand progress. The star is thus the17th century and the time of Dutchemblem of unity and hope for therule, but was revised in 1959 andfuture, and the white mbriations,again in 1975.THE PRESIDENTSSTANDARD T On the shield, a shipThe supportersreects commerce, a are Native Americansdiamond, mining, and atree, agriculture The national mottoJustitia, Pietas, Fidesmeaning Justice, Peace,Faith44 47. South AmericaEcuadorRatio: 1:2 Adopted: September 26, 1860 Usage: NationalYellow, blue Yellow isand red arethe color ofthe colors offederationFrancisco deMiranda Blue recalls independence from Spain Red symbolizes courageSouth America Ecuador, formerly a Spanish colony, joined the state of Greater Colombia in 1822. It seceded from the federation in 1830 to form a republic.The 1819 ag of Greater Colombia arms, making it almost identical towas restored in Ecuador in 1860 andthe ag of Colombia, except for itssince then the ags of Ecuador and proportions. When used abroad, theColombia have been very similar. ag always contains the arms.The national arms were added to thecenter of the basic civil ag in 1900, ARMS OF ECUADORcreating a distinct ag for national The coat of arms dates from 1845and state purposes. The civil ag on and depicts Mount Chimborazoland and sea does not contain theand the mouth of the Guyas River.ARMS OF ECUADORAn Andean condorsymbolizes braveryFour signs of the Zodiacand libertyrepresent the months fromMarch to MayA ship at the mouthof the Guyas Riverrepresenting commerceAn allegorical scene depictsMount Chimborazo, South The ax and fasces are Americas highest peak symbols of republicanism45 48. South AmericaPeruRatio: 2:3 Adopted: February 25, 1825 Usage: National and CivilRed and white areThe colors alsothe colors chosen byrecall those of theSan Martn,Incas, who ruledEl Liberadormuch of Peru(the Liberator)until EuropeancolonizationSouth America Peru was freed from Spanish rule in 1819 by an army led by Jos de San Martn. Since 1824 it has been an independent unitary republic.The colors chosen by San Martn forSpanish colonies, the ofcial ag,the Peruvian Legion were red and used by the government and thewhite, said to be the colors of thearmed forces, has the coat of arms inInca Empire, and the rising sun, alsothe center.dating back to the Incas. The ag The coat of arms dates from 1825assumed its present form, dropping and depicts a cornucopia, a chichonathe sun in 1825, at the behest oftree, and a llama, surrounded by stateSimn Bolvar, another famousags. The ags do not appear on theliberator. As is usual in former arms placed on the ofcial ag.ARMS OF PERU On the coat of arms, thewreaths are substituted A llamafor national agsA chichona treeA cornucopiaThis is how the coat symbolizing prosperity of arms appears in thecenter of the ofcialag and ensign46 49. South AmericaBrazilRatio: 7:10 Adopted: November 15, 1889 Usage: National and CivilThe national Green recalls motto meaning,the BrazilianOrder and Progress rain forest Each star represents a The most recent state in the Federationstars were added tothe Canis Major constellationYellow represents thecountrys mineral resourcesSouth AmericaBrazil belonged to Portugal until 1822 when itbecame an independent kingdom, and later anempire. It formed a federal republic in 1889.The green eld and yellow lozengewith stars of varying sizes, althoughwere part of the ag adopted inthe size of star does not reect the1822 when independence was rstimportance of the state. In 1992,achieved and the empire wasnew stars were added to thedeclared. In 1889, the imperialconstellation of Canis Major in therarms were replaced by a view oflower left section of the sky. Thethe night sky as it appeared overcountrys national motto, OrdemRio de Janeiro when the republic e Progresso meaning, Order andwas formed. Each of the stars in Progress appears on a band acrossthe constellation represents a state the center of the night sky.of the Federation, including theFederal District. These have beenTHE NATIONAL CAPITALTaltered from time to time, mostIn Braslia, the capital city sincerecently in 1992 when the number 1960, stands one of the worldsof stars increased to 27.tallest agpoles, on which ies an enormous national ag.THE CONSTELLATIONSBrazil also has ags for theThe constellations on the ag arePresident, the Ministry of Marine,represented in a realistic manner, and a naval Jack. 47 50. South AmericaBrazil: State flagsMany of the ags recall historical events, or the formation of the federal republic.The date of accession is given below the state name. THE FEDERAL DISTRICTACRE 19601962The ag of the Federal District dates fromAdopted by the republic declared in 1899,1969. The green rectangle contains four when Acre was still part of Bolivia, the agarrows representing the balance ofwas retained by the state and the star wascentralization and devolution in Brazil. dded to recall its joining the Federation.ALAGOAS AMAP18891989Based on the ag of 1894, this newThe ag was adopted in 1984 for theversion was instituted in 1963. In theerritory and retained for the state. Itcenter is the arms, also originally dating ses all the national colors, togetherback to 1894. It recalls various aspects of with an outline of the fortress ofthe states industry. Macap, the state capital.AMAZONASBAHIA18891889The ag dates from the local uprising ofThe ag dates back to the uprisings of1897. The stars stand for the 25 789 and 1798, which are recalled bymunicipalities, with the large one forhe white triangle. The ag in this formManaus, the state capital. The ag waswas rst adopted in 1889, when Bahiaregularized in 1982.oined the Federation.CEAR ESPRITO SANTO18891889The ag was instituted in 1922 and is The ag was created in 1947. Thevery similar to the national ag. Theortuguese motto meaningWorkarms depicts an allegorical landscapend Trustis that of the Jesuits, andsurrounded by stars. It dates from 1897 he pink and blue represent the localand was revised in 1967. vening sky.48 51. South America GOISMARANHO 1889 1889The ag is based on those promoted forThe ag, adopted in 1889, featuresthe republic in 1889. This version hashe star, which represents the stateve stars for the Southern Cross similar n the national ag, while the stripesto those in the national arms. and for its ethnic mix. MATO GROSSO MATO GROSSO DO SUL 18891977The ag is based on the national ag, The design emerged from abut with local interpretations of theompetition held in 1978, after thecolor arrangement and one star for ew state was formed. The ag wasthe state. It was adopted in 1890.nstituted in 1979. MINAS GERAISPAR 18891889The ag contains a Masonic triangleased on a republican ag, it datesof the Incondncia Mineira (miners revolt) rom 1898. The star is taken from theof 1789, standing for equality.ne for Par on the national ag. PARABAPARAN 1889 1889The ag recalls Vargas revolution in The ag contains an emblem like1930. Nego (I deny it) refers to thehe national ag, bearing the Southernassassination of the state president. Cross and name of the state. PERNAMBUCOPIAU 18891889This is the ag of the Pernambucoased on the colors of the nationalrevolution of 1817, which later became the ag, in this instance it only has oneag of the state when the events of 1817 ar representing the state of Piau.were celebrated.t was adopted in 1922. 49 52. South AmericaBrazil: State flagsRIO DE JANEIRO RIO GRANDE DO NORTE1975 1889The state was reconstituted in 1975 Dating from 1957, the ag uses theto include the state of Guanabara. rms granted in 1909, thus making itThe new state took over the emblemsne of the newest ags of theof the former state of Rio de Janeiro. riginal states. RIO GRANDE DO SULRONDNIA 1889 1981The ag dates from the revolution ofRondnias ag uses the four1836, which created the Republic of Rioational colors and a single starGrande do Sul. It was re-adopted in 1889, ymbol. It was adopted in 1981the arms were added in 1891. fter a design competition.RORAIMA SANTA CATARINA19891889The ag, adopted when the territory The red and white ag precedesbecame a federal state, uses the national he republic. It was most recentlycolors and star, with a red line representing egularized in 1953, when the armsthe Equator.were placed in the center. SO PAULO SERGIPE 18891889The ag was created in 1888 at theThe ag was created in the latestart of the republican revolution,9th century and adopted in 1920.and revived in 1932, with 13 stripes.n 1951 the stars were repositioned.TOCANTINS1989After achieving statehood, a ag andarms were adopted, using blue andwhite from the national colors.50 53. South AmericaChileRatio: 2:3 Adopted: October 18, 1817 Usage: National and CivilThe ag is modeledon the US Stars andWhite symbolizes theStripessnow of the Andes Blue represents the clear Andean skiesRed is for the bloodshed for freedomSouth America Chile was freed from Spanish rule in 1818, largely through the efforts of Jos de San Martn, leader of the Army of the Andes.Adopted in 1817, after San Martns THE PRESIDENTS STANDARD Tvictory at Chacabuco, the nationalThe ag of the President is theag of Chile was preceded by at least same as the national ag, with thetwo other versions during the early national arms in the center. The coatyears of separatism. The current agof arms dates from 1834. It iswas based on the Stars and Stripes. supported by an huemal deer and a The white star was reserved forcondor. The crest is formed fromuse only on the ofcial ag until the feathers of the rhea bird. The1864, when the starred ag wasmottoPor La Razon o La Fuerzamade ofcial for all purposes.means By reason or by force.THE PRESIDENTSSTANDARD T A crest of feathersAn huemal deer,from the rhea birdof the high Andes The condor is a common symbol on South American arms 51 54. South AmericaBoliviaRatio: 2:3 Adopted: November 30, 1851 Usage: National and CivilThe order of thestripes was changed Red recalls valorto red, yellow,green in 1851.Yellow reectsRed and green wereBolivias mineralretained from thereservesag of 1825 Green symbolizes fertilitySouth America Bolivia, originally known as Upper Peru, was named after Simn Bolvar who supervised its secession from Spain in 1825.The ag of 1825 had three stripes oflast altered in 1851, when the ordergreen-red-green, with ve gold starsof the stripes was changed to red,within laurel wreaths. These stoodyellow, green.for the original ve departments.The ofcial ag still has the armsin the center. It was regulated inA NEW TRICOLOR1888 and depicts Mount Potos, anIn 1826, the ag was altered to three alpaca, a wheatsheaf, and a breadfruitequal stripes of yellow, green and redtree. The oval ring contains ninewith the arms in the center. It was stars for the nine departments.ARMS OF BOLIVIA As on many SouthAmerican arms, the The ags and crest is a condorweapons represent thepeoples willingness todefend the state The allegorical sceneThe nine stars represent on the shield representsBolivias nine departments Bolivias agriculturaland industrial wealth52 55. South AmericaParaguayRatio: 1:2 Adopted: November 25, 1842 Usage: National and CivilThe colorsOn the reverse,were inuencedthe ag isby the French charged withTricolore, whichthe Treasuryhad becomeSeala symbol ofliberationThe Star of May is used as a symbol offreedom on many South American agsSouth AmericaParaguay declared its independence fromSpain in 1811 and has remained an independentrepublic ever since.The colors of the ag and thepower from 181440. During hisStar of May emblem date from regime one side of the ag carriedthe Declaration of Independence. the arms of Spain and the other theA number of variant designs existedarms of Asuncin.prior to the current design, which The current emblems, adopted inwas regularized in 1842. The 1821, but not ofcially sanctionedcurrent ag has a separate emblemuntil 1842, are the national arms onon each side, a practice dating from the front (obverse) and the Treasurythe time of Jos de Francia, inSeal on the back (reverse).STATE ARMS ON THE OBVERSETREASURY SEAL ON THE REVERSEThe Star of May The motto,Paz y The Cap ofrecalls the date of Justicia (PeaceLiberty guardedindependenceand Justice)by a lionName ofthe state 53 56. South AmericaUruguayRatio: 2:3 Adopted: July 11, 1830 Usage: National and Civil The Sun of May Blue and white has been a nationalare also the emblem since thenational colors 19th century of Argentina, from which thisag derives The nine stripes represent the nine departmentsSouth America Historically a Spanish colony, Uruguay was annexed to Brazil and then to Argentina before becoming fully independent in 1830.The colors, blue and white, and theremained in use after Uruguay wasSun of May on the current ag come annexed to Brazil in 1821.from the Argentinian ag. When full independence was assumed, the present form of theTHE FLAG OF ARTIGASag was instituted. The nine stripesThe colors were brought to Uruguay represent the nine departments.by Jos Artigas, who led the The Sun of May has been used asmovement for separation. His ag the national emblem since 1815 andwas blue and white striped, with a now appears as the crest on the coatred diagonal. Variations of this ag of arms.FLAG OF ARTIGASThis ag was used asRed represents thea Jack for naval vesselsBanda Oriental until the late 1990s. (the East Bank)The colors derive fromof Uruguaythose of Argentinas ag54 57. South AmericaArgentinaRatio: 1:2 Adopted: February 12, 1812 Usage: National and CivilBlue andwhite wereformedinto a agThe sun wasby Manuel added in 1818Belgrano, the to create a agleader of the for state userevolutionLight blue and white are from the cockades usedby revolutionaries in 1812South America Argentina achieved its independence from Spain in 1816. Liberation demonstrations began in Buenos Aires on May 25, 1810.At his encampment at Rosario inTHE SUN FLAG1812, the revolutionary commander,In 1818, the sun emblem was addedManuel Belgrano needed a ag. He to the national ag forming the statedevised one, using the sky-blue andag own on government buildingswhite colors of the cockades worn by and military bases. It is also thesupporters of independence. This ag Argentine naval ensign. The sun iswas used in battle and. although based on coins issued in Buenos Airesinitially rejected by the provisionalin 1813. The tradition of the Sun ofgovernment, it later became theMay, breaking through white cloudsnational ag.in a blue sky has no historical basis.ARMS OF ARGENTINA The sun symbolizes the dawn of a new era and a new nation The Cap of Liberty Sky-blue and whiteA wreath of laurel are the national colors 55 58. AfricaMoroccoRatio: 2:3 Adopted: November 17, 1915 Usage: National and Civil Red represents thedescendants of the Prophet MuhammadThe Seal of Solomonwas added in 1915Africa Spain MOROCC CC CCO Morocco has been independent since 1956, Westernrn Saharara Algeria becoming a kingdom in 1957. The state hasMauritania Mali urit uri u lii occupied Western Sahara since 1975.Red has considerable historicTHE COLONIAL ERAsignicance in Morocco, proclaimingWhile Morocco was under Frenchthe descent of the royal family from and Spanish control, the red ag withthe Prophet Muhammad via Fatima, the seal in the center remained in usethe wife of Ali, the fourth Caliph.but only inland, its use at sea wasRed is also the color that was usedprohibited. When independence wasby the Sherifs of Mecca and therestored in 1956 it once again becameImams of Yemen.the national ag.THE SEAL OF SOLOMONTHE NATIONAL ARMSFrom the 17th century, whenAfter independence in 1958,Morocco was ruled by the Hassani Morocco adopted a national coatDynasty, the ags of the country of arms. This depicts the sun risingwere plain red. In 1915, during theover the Atlas Mountains. The armsreign of Mulay Yusuf, the greenalso includes the Seal of SolomonSeal of Solomon was added to from the national ag. On the scrollthe national ag. The Seal is an is an inscription from the Quraninterlaced pentangle, used as a(Koran), which reads If you assistsymbol in occult law for centuries.God, he will assist you.56 59. AfricaAlgeriaRatio: 2:3 Adopted: July 3, 1962 Usage: National and Civil Green is theWhite is symboliccolor of Islam of purity The crescent and star of Islam recallOttoman rule The longer than usual horns stand for good fortune and happinessRed represents libertyAfrica Algeria was occupied by the French from 1830. Independence was achieved in 1962 after a long struggle led by the National Liberation Front.The ag of Algeria was adoptedwhole emblem recalls the periodby the National Liberation Frontof Ottoman rule during the 16th(Front de Libration National) in century and its color, red, is symbolic1954, on the basis of an older design,of liberty.created in 1928, by the nationalistleader Messali Hadj. From 1958-62 THE NAVAL ENSIGNit was the ag of the Provisional The naval ensign has two crossedGovernment in exile, but it was anchors in the canton. This deviceretained when independence wasis used on the naval ensigns ofachieved in 1962 and has remained several Arab countries, followingunchanged ever since. the example of Egypt.SYMBOLISM IN THE FLAG THE EMBLEM OF ALGERIAThe green in the hoist is the The state coat of arms is based ontraditional color of Islam and thethe well-known local emblem of thewhite represents purity. The hornsHand of Fatima. It also containsof the crescent are longer than usual the crescent and star of Islam,and represent increase or goodalongside symbols reecting bothfortune and happiness, whilst the agriculture and industry. 57 60. AfricaTunisiaRatio: 2:3 Adopted: 1835 Usage: National and CivilRed taken fromthe ag of Turkey The crescent andstar of IslamAfricaIItalyPart of the Turkish Empire until 1881, Tunisia TUNUNUNISIA N Algeriathen became a French Protectorate. In 1957, itLibyabecame a republic when the Bey was deposed.The ag is based on that of the The coat of arms of Tunisia hasTurkish Empire and was adopted bybeen altered since the abolition ofthe Bey, the hereditary ruler of the monarchy, most recently in 1963,Tunisia, in 1835, primarily as a and unusually has the motto on amilitary ag. During the Frenchscroll actually on the shield. Theadministration (1881-1957) it became motto readsin ArabicOrder,a sea ag, with the French Tricolore inLiberty, Justice. The ship, lion, andthe canton; this was removed whenbalance were retained from theindependence was achieved in 1956. previous arms.ARMS OF TUNISIAThe ship, lion, and The ship alsobalance symbolize recalls early settlersthe national mottoThe nationalmottoOrder,Liberty, Justice58 61. AfricaLibyaRatio: 3:5 Adopted: 1977 Usage: National and Civil It is the only national ag of asingle plain colorGreen is the national color of Libya and also reects the peoples devotion to IslamAfricaLibya achieved independence in 1951, but in1969 the King was deposed and Libya formed arepublic led by Colonel Gadaf.The ag of the independent kingdoma hawk emblem in the center andwas red, black, and green with athe name of the country beneath it.crescent and star in the center, but When Libya quit the Federationafter the revolution of 1969, the ag in 1977, the new plain green agbecame three simple stripes of red, was adopted. The national emblemwhite, and black. remains similar to the one used In 1971, Libya joined the Federation while Libya was part of theof Arab Republics with Egypt andFederation, which shows theSyria which used a similar ag with Hawk of Quraish.ARMS OF LIBYA Y The Hawk of Quraish is the emblem of the tribe of Muhammad The title of the stateThe Great Socialist Peoples Libyan Arab Republic59 62. AfricaEgyptRatio: 2:3 Adopted: October 4, 1984 Usage: National and CivilRed, white, andblack are Pan-Arabcolors Eagle of SaladinAfricaIsraelrJordan rdaEgypt was a kingdom until 1953. From 1958-1961 Saudi Libya EGYPT Arabia it joined the United Arab Republic and from 1972-1977 the Federation of Arab Republics.As a kingdom, the ag was greenstars in the center of the white stripe.with a white crescent and three stars. In 1972, when the Federation was formed, the stars were replaced withTHE UNITED ARAB REPUBLIC the Hawk of the Quraish (see pageWhen the United Arab Republic59), in gold, above the state name.(uar) was formed in 1958, theyIn 1984, Egypt reverted to the goldadapted the ag of the Liberationeagle used by the Liberation Rally.Rally which led the independence These colors and the eagle emblemrevolt of 195253. The uar ag was have been widely copied in otherred, white and black, with two green Arab countries. FLAG OF THE LIBERATION RALLY 1952-58 The gold eagle is said to be the Eagle of Saladin The crescent and stars were retained from the old national ag60 63. AfricaSudanRatio: 1:2 Adopted: May 20, 1970 Usage: National and CivilRed representsRed, white, socialism black, andgreen are Pan-Arab Green is thecolorscolor of Islam and prosperityBlack is for the dark pre- Islamic pastWhite representspurity and optimismAfricaLibya yaEgypt yp y Ruled jointly by Egypt and Britain from 1877, Chadd Sudan became independent in 1956. Since then it has had a series of different regimes.The ag used at independence White represents purity andwas a horizontal tricolor of blue, optimism; red is for socialism, greenyellow and green, but followingfor prosperity, and black for the dark,the formation of the Democraticpre-Islamic past.Republic in 1968, a new ag was In 1969 a new arms was adopted,chosen by competition. with a secretary bird bearing a shield from the time of the Mahdi, (whoA PAN-ARAB FLAGbriey ruled Sudan in the 19thThis is like other Arab ags. Thecentury). Two scrolls are placedgreen as a triangle at the hoist.above and below the secretary bird. The national mottoARMS OF SUDANAl-nasr lina (Victory is ours) A secretary bird bears the shieldThe title of the stateAl-Jamhuriya as-Sudaniya(Republic of Sudan)61 64. AfricaEritreaRatio: 2:3 Adopted: May 24, 1993 Usage: National and CivilGreen, blue,An olive branch and red are theis encircled by a colors of the wreath representing Eritrean Peoples Eritrean autonomy Liberation FrontAfricaSaudi SudanArabiaAr Eritrea was federated to Ethiopia in 1952 and fully ERITTTREA Yemen integrated in 1962. From 1972, a long war of Ethiopia secession led to independence in 1993.The ag of the Eritrean Peoplesolive leaves. Originally this emblemLiberation Front (eplf), whichwas green on a blue ag, but it is nowcampaigned for independence, is yellow.green and blue with a red trianglebearing a gold star. The ag adoptedTHE PRESIDENTS FLAGon independence retained the colors The Presidents ag contains theand pattern, but replaced the starnational arms, which depicts awith the emblem used previously for camel in a desert, with the nameautonomous Eritrea. This is an oliveof the state underneath in English,branch surrounded by a wreath ofTigrinya, and Arabic.THE PRESIDENTS FLAG The arms of EritreaThe colors of thenational ag are used The arms is surrounded by a wreath of leaves62 65. AfricaDjiboutiRatio: 21:38 Adopted: June 27, 1977 Usage: National and CivilWhite, green,Light blueand light blue represents theare the colors ofIssa peoplethe lpai Green represents the Afar people, with their land and links to Islam The star represents the unity of the stateAfrica Eritreaea Yemen Once known as French Somaliland, and from 1967 DJIBOUTI as the Territory of the Afars and Issas, DjiboutiEthiopia Somalia gained independence in 1977.The national ag adopted in 1977position, and the proportions of thewas an adaptation of the ag of ag were lengthened. The colorsthe Ligue Populaire Africaine pourstand for the Issas and the Afars,lIndpendance (lpai) which led the two peoples of Djibouti atDjibouti to independence. The lpaiindependence, and the red starag had a red triangle with a white for the unity of the diverse state.star. For the national ag, adoptedThe coat of arms is centeredat independence, the star was placedaround a Somali shield and spear,in an upright, rather than a slantedbordered by two hunting knives.ARMS OF DJIBOUTIThe red star is atraditional symbol of unityA Somali shield and weapons; two huntingknives and a spearThe coat of armscontains a local shield 63 66. AfricaEthiopiaRatio: 1:2 Adopted: February 6, 1996 Usage: National and CivilThe colorsGreen recallsdate back the land andto the 19th hope for thecentury future Red is Yellow is thesymbolic of color of peace strength and loveThe emblem representsdiversity and unityAfrica SudanEri rit ritreaDjiboutDjibouti Ethiopia was recognized as an empire in theETHIOPIA 19th century. It was occupied by Italy from 193641.liamaKenya The Emperor was overthrown in 1974.SoThe three traditional colors: green,ETHIOPIA AND THE RASTAFARIyellow, and red date back to theIn the 1930s the Ethiopian colorsEmperor Menelik (18891913) and became popular with black activistswere rst used in a ag in 1895.in Jamaica who looked to Ethiopia The current ag and emblem for political and spiritual guidance.were adopted after the defeat of theSince then, these colors (along withMarxist Mengistu regime, in power black from the ag of Marcusfrom 19741991. The emblem is Garvey) have become linked withintended to represent both thethe Rastafarian movement, and havediversity and unity of the country. spread to other African countries.EMBLEM OF ETHIOPIA Blue represents peace The star represents diversity and unity The suns rays symbolize prosperity64 67. AfricaSomaliaRatio: 2:3 Adopted: October 12, 1954 Usage: National and CivilThe ve-pointed The blue is the samestar represents the as that used by thebranches of the United NationsSomali race; inEthiopia, Kenya,Djibouti, and theforme