World Flags Map

Explore an interactive world map of country flags. Pan and zoom to see each country labeled with its flag and name, then challenge yourself in the quiz.

Looking to practice? Try the World Flags Quiz to learn and memorize flags fast: Start the quiz →

About national flags

A national flag is a country’s primary symbol on land, at sea, and in international events. Most sovereign states fly a civil flag for public use and a state or war flag for government and military contexts. Flags are standardized for proportions, colors, and layout so they can be recognized at a glance from a distance.

What flags are made of (design basics)

• Field: the background area of the flag.
• Canton: the upper hoist-side corner (where the U.S. flag’s stars sit, for example).
• Hoist vs. fly: the edge near the flagpole is the hoist; the far edge is the fly.
• Reverse: many flags look mirrored on the back; some include text or asymmetric symbols.

Common flag ratios and colors

Countries commonly adopt aspect ratios such as 2:3, 1:2, or 3:5. A few are unique: Nepal’s flag is non-rectangular, and Switzerland and Vatican City are square. The most frequent colors are red, white, blue, green, and yellow, often chosen for historical or cultural reasons.

Popular designs and symbols

• Tricolors: three equal bands (vertical or horizontal) are widespread (e.g., Ireland, Italy, France, Romania).
• Crosses: Nordic cross designs appear across Northern Europe; other crosses feature in flags like Switzerland, Georgia, and England.
• Crescents and stars: common in flags of Muslim-majority nations and others (e.g., Turkey, Pakistan, Algeria).
• Suns and disks: Japan’s Hinomaru, Bangladesh’s red disk, and Argentina’s Sun of May are iconic examples.
• Coats of arms and seals: many flags add a central emblem to distinguish similar color layouts (e.g., Mexico, Spain, Kazakhstan).

Look‑alike flags and how to tell them apart

Several national flags are famously similar. Here are practical cues for quick identification:

• Romania vs. Chad: both are blue‑yellow‑red vertical tricolors; Romania’s blue is typically lighter. Context and aspect ratio can also help.
• Ireland vs. Côte d’Ivoire: same colors, reversed order at the hoist (Ireland is green‑white‑orange; Côte d’Ivoire is orange‑white‑green).
• Indonesia vs. Monaco: both are red over white; Indonesia usually uses a wider 2:3 ratio, Monaco often 4:5.
• Mali vs. Guinea: identical colors, reversed order (Mali is green‑yellow‑red; Guinea is red‑yellow‑green).
• Norway vs. Iceland: both Nordic crosses with red/blue/white; Iceland’s base is blue with a red cross bordered white, Norway’s base is red with a blue cross bordered white.

Flag etiquette and variants

Countries publish rules for display: correct orientation, order when shown with other flags, half‑mast practices, and when to remove worn flags. Some states have distinct designs for civil use, state use, and naval ensigns. When in doubt, use the simple national version without seals, especially at small sizes where details blur.

FAQs — quick answers

• Which flag isn’t rectangular? Nepal’s flag has two stacked pennants and is uniquely shaped among national flags.
• Which flags are square? Switzerland and Vatican City.
• Why do some flags look mirrored on the back? Most cloth flags are printed or sewn so the reverse shows a mirror image; a few specify two‑sided construction, but that’s rare.
• Do colors “mean” the same everywhere? No. Color meanings are country‑specific and often tied to national history.