Interesting Facts About World Flags

You probably drive by a flag at least once every day, but you probably don’t give it much thought. Our beloved flags have become a part of our everyday lives, which is where they belong. However, every once in a while, we think it’s a good idea to appreciate these works of art and allegiance. Especially since there are so many different kinds of world flags, and there are a lot of interesting things you may not realize about the flags you have come to know and love.

Not all flags are the same shape and size

Ask anyone to draw a flag on a piece of paper and they will start with the same rectangular shape. It’s true that nearly every flag in the world mimics this shape, but it’s not true of every flag.

First, it’s interesting to note that just because many flags of the world are shaped like a rectangle doesn’t mean that a rectangle is always the same. Rectangular flags come in different sizes.

Curiously, The United States flag doesn’t specify exact proportions, although they are outlined in Executive Order 10834, which states the proportions are 10:19. Other rectangular flags have proportions that are a little easier to understand. For example, the UK has a flag proportion of 1:2, which is fairly popular. A proportion of 2:3 is popular too, as is seen in the flags of Uganda, Spain, and Japan.

Rectangular flags are wildly popular, but that doesn’t mean that’s the only shape that is used. More interesting flag shapes include the Vatican City flag and Swiss flag, which are perfect squares, while the flag of Nepal features two rectangles with no overall aspect ratio at all.

Some colors are more popular than others

If you have seen multiple country flags, you may have noticed that they have more in common than differences. That’s the case when it comes to flag shape, but it is also the case when it comes to the colors that are used on the flag.

Red is the obvious favorite, with almost one-third of all flags in the world featuring this color. Unsurprisingly, blue comes in second, while white is in third. You’ll also find a lot of green and yellow on flags.

The most popular color combination is red, white, and blue. Just look at the U.S. flag, the Union Jack, France, and Australia.

Colors you are less likely to find on flags include purple, which is only found on a few flags, as well as shades of brown and gray.

Denmark claims the oldest continuously used country flag

If you know your flag history, you know the U.S. flag became official in 1777, while the Union Jack has been in use since the 1600s, but there are flags in the world that are much, much older.

Denmark claims the title for the oldest country flag that has been continuously used throughout its history. It has been in use consistently since 1625 but was originally adopted in 1307, with the possibility of the flag having been used even longer.

Other flags are even older. The flag of Austria was adopted all the way back in 1230, while the flag of Scotland originated in 832 AD.

Displaying flags comes with a lot of rules

No matter what flag you’re displaying or what country you’re in, displaying a flag comes with lots of rules. For example, the United States flag should always be displayed above or equal to other flags, like state flags.

Burning flags is a hot topic. In the U.S. it remains the most honorable way to dispose of a flag, while other countries prohibit it. In China, you could end up in jail for up to three years for burning a flag, but you could also find yourself in jail for mocking the national anthem or stomping on the flag.

It doesn’t matter if you’re searching for international flags or domestic flags, The Flag Makers has what you’re looking for! Having been in business for over a decade and having experience creating a wide variety of custom designs in all shapes and sizes, you can bet that we know how to make national flags to exact specifications. Contact us today to order a flag from anywhere in the world!