One of the oldest and most effective means of human communications is the flag. They are symbols of identity, history, culture, and sovereignty and say nothing with their lips yet so much with their eyes. Though the majority of national flags stick to the typical format of stripes, stars and bold hues, some countries have taken a very different route and developed flags, so unique and peculiar, it takes your breath away the first time you see them.
Here are 10 of the most unusual and unique flags of the world and what they represent, from the only non rectangular flag in the world to the flag with a modern assault rifle.
Why Some National Flags Stand Out From the Rest
What Makes a Flag Truly Unique
There are a few unwritten rules when it comes to the design of the national flag that most flags adhere to: It is simple, it has bold colors, it has some meaning, and it is rectangular in shape. Others have defied all those rules – and every one of them – in the most interesting ways, however, because of history, geography, religion and culture.
This is a series of flag designs that are quite different and have captured stories that no book can tell. They all are the soul of the country they represent, sometimes in surprising, sometimes beautiful, sometimes totally unexpected ways.
The Most Unusual National Flags in the World
Nepal: The Only Non Rectangular Flag in the World
All the flags of the world are rectangular. Except one. There is only one national flag which is not square or rectangular, which is the Nepal flag. It is made up of two triangles joined together so that they form a double pennant with a background of crimson red coloured fabric edged in blue.
It is believed that the two pennants represent the Himalayan mountains and the harmonious relationship of two main religions of Nepal viz Hinduism and Buddhism. Moon on the upper pennant and the sun on the lower pennant is to symbolize that Nepal should live forever like the two celestial bodies. It's a flag that is unlike any other on earth.
Bhutan: The Thunder Dragon Flag
The Bhutan dragon flag is one of the most beautiful national flags of the world. A white dragon (also called Druk or Thunder Dragon) is drawn across the diagonal triangles in yellow and orange. In its claws, the dragon holds jewels symbolizing the rich abundance and security of the country.
The orange stands for the Buddhist spiritual tradition, the yellow for civil authority and the white dragon for purity. It's a symbol-rich flag with many layers of meaning, and a flag that is instantly recognisable amongst the flags of Asia.
Mozambique: The Only Flag With a Weapon
Mozambique is one of the world's few flags that features unusual symbols. Among the world's flags, the Mozambique AK47 flag is the only one to incorporate a modern assault rifle. The AK47 is accompanied by a hoe and an open book, symbolizing defense, agriculture and education.
The flag was taken up upon the attainment of independence for Mozambique and symbolizes the country's fight for freedom and its struggle from colonial era to national sovereignty. It's courageous, provocative and memorable.
Paraguay: The Only Flag Different on Each Side
The vast majority of flags have the same appearance on both sides. The national flag of Paraguay has an entirely different emblem on either side, making it the only flag in the world to feature this. The front features the national coat of arms, and the reverse has the treasury seal. The red, white, and blue stripes are the same on both sides, but the symbols in the center are completely different.
This makes this Paraguay different sides flag a one of a kind piece of vexillological history endlessly fascinating to flag collectors all over the world.
Switzerland and Vatican City: The Only Square National Flags
Nepal is an exception to the rectangular rule, by being double pennant-shaped, while Switzerland and Vatican City are exceptions in another fashion. Only these flags are square national flags in the world. All other countries use rectangular flags, but both Switzerland and Vatican City have retained the square shape in their flag history.
The Swiss flag is a daring white cross on a red field, and it's one of the most well-known flag designs in the world, so it's safe to say that it's one of the most successful designs that has ever existed.
Libya: The Only Solid Color National Flag in Modern History
For a period of 35 years from 1977 until 2011 Libya's National Flag was arguably the most basic of all national flags ever adopted – a completely solid green rectangle featuring no symbols, text or design of any kind. It was the first flag in modern history to be solid color in the country, selected by Muammar Gaddafi as the flag of Islamic green revolution. In 2011, following the fall of Gaddafi's government, Libya went back to its former tricolored flag.
Isle of Man and Sicily: The Triskelion Symbol Flag
The triskelion is one of the most peculiar symbols in the Heraldic History of flags, one that can be found on two flags on completely opposite sides of Europe. The flag of the Isle of Man, as well as the flag of Sicily, display a triskelion (three armed person) with its arms in a clockwise, rotating triangle.
The symbol has its origins in early times and symbolizes movement, progress and the three corners of each island. There are many strange things about flags, one of which is the appearance of the same ancient symbol on two different islands whose history of separation dates back to centuries.
Belize: The Only Flag With Human Figures
Belize is the only nation whose flag has human figures. A mahogany tree with two men, one holding an axe and the other holding a paddle, is encircled by the national coat of arms. The flag is also one of the most colorful national flags in the world, having all the colours of the rainbow.
Kyrgyzstan: The Sun and Yurt Flag
The Kyrgyzstan flag is purple with a white sun in the middle. However, observe the sun in detail and you'll notice something remarkable: The rays of the sun have been arranged to form the top of a traditional yurt, a circular tent inhabited by nomadic people all over Central Asia. This flag, which combines nature and culture, is very beautiful and unique among the Asian flags.
Bermuda: The Shipwreck Flag
Bermuda's flag features a British red ensign on the left and a coat of arms on the right that depicts a ship being wrecked in a storm. That ship was the Sea Venture, which stranded off the coast of Bermuda in 1609, and the island was permanently settled. It is quite an eccentric tribute to Bermuda's national flag to be celebrating a shipwreck, and among the flags of British territories it is one of the most bizarre.
What These Unusual Flags Tell Us About Their Nations
Each of these flags is unusual, because it represents something that is truly unique about the country it represents. There are countless stories in the world that could not be told by a single stripe and star.There are mountains in Nepal, Dragons in Bhutan, Shipwreck history in Bermuda, dual identity in Paraguay and a whole lot more that could all be told by a single stripe and star design.
Flags are a nation's visual autobiography. The most unusual ones are simply the most honest.
How to Start Your Own International Flag Collection
If you are now motivated to begin collecting world flags, you are in luck as international flags are now more available than ever. The hallmark of a great collection is often flags that have special significance to you – flags from your heritage, flags from your travels, or simply flags that have visual appeal.
Put them on display with an American flag to make a beautiful visual display of global cultures. For maximum long-term display, try using quality nylon flags that don't fade and look great in all weather.
Where to Buy Premium International Flags in the USA
Since 1908, Baldwin Flags is a St. Louis, MO-based, veteran-owned flag company serving customers with one of the most complete selection of flags from around the world available anywhere in the United States. Baldwin Flags is the place to find high-quality nylon flags from Asia, Africa, Europe, South America, or the Pacific Islands; flags that are meant to last and remain vibrantly coloured while on display.
Ready to buy international flags online and start or expand your world flag collection? Visit www.baldwinflags.com, call +1 (314) 535-2800 to explore the full collection today.
FAQs About Unusual and Unique National Flags
Which country has the only non rectangular national flag?
Nepal is the only country in the world with a national flag that is not rectangular. Its unique double pennant shape has remained unchanged for centuries.
Which flag is the only one to feature a modern weapon?
Mozambique holds this distinction, with its national flag featuring an AK47 assault rifle alongside a hoe and an open book.
Are there any square national flags?
Yes, Switzerland and Vatican City are the only two countries in the world with perfectly square national flags.
Does Baldwin Flags carry international flags from unusual countries?
Yes, Baldwin Flags carries an extensive range of international flags from nations around the world. Visit www.baldwinflags.com or contact the team directly to check availability for specific countries.
Flags Around the World 10 of the Most Unique and Unusual National Flags