Chapter M: Major infectious diseases (114)

Turkey
$270.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$268.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Turkmenistan
$5 billion (2009 est.)
$1.4 billion (2004 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands
$NA

Tuvalu
$NA

Uganda
$2.888 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$2.554 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Ukraine
$97.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$94.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

United Arab Emirates
$122.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$122.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

United Kingdom
$8.981 trillion (30 June 2010)
$9.041 trillion (31 December 2008)

United States
$13.98 trillion (30 June 2010)
$13.75 trillion (31 December 2008)
note: approximately 4/5ths of US external debt is denominated in US
dollars; foreign lenders have been willing to hold US dollar
denominated debt instruments because they view the dollar as the
world's reserve currency

Uruguay
$13.39 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$13.23 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Uzbekistan
$4.236 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$4.053 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Vanuatu
$81.2 million (2004)

Venezuela
$55.61 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$53.58 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Vietnam
$33.45 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$27.84 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Virgin Islands
$NA

Wallis and Futuna
$3.67 million (2004)

West Bank
$1.04 billion (2010 est.)
$1.3 billion (2007 est.)

Western Sahara
$NA

World
$59.09 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)
$62.25 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)
note: this figure is the sum total of all countries' external debt,
both public and private

Yemen
$7.147 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$6.552 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Zambia
$3.495 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$3.091 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Zimbabwe
$5.772 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
$5.667 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

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Field Listing ::

Country

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@2081

Field Listing :: Flag description

This entry provides a written flag description produced from actual
flags or the best information available at the time the entry was
written. The flags of independent states are used by their
dependencies unless there is an officially recognized local flag.
Some disputed and other areas do not have flags.
Country

Flag description

Afghanistan
three equal vertical bands of black (hoist side), red,
and green, with the national emblem in white centered on the red
band and slightly overlapping the other two bands; the center of the
emblem features a mosque with pulpit and flags on either side, below
the mosque are numerals for the solar year 1298 (1919 in the
Gregorian calendar, the year of Afghan independence from the UK);
this central image is circled by a border consisting of sheaves of
wheat on the left and right, in the upper-center is an Arabic
inscription of the Shahada (Muslim creed) below which are rays of
the rising sun over the Takbir (Arabic expression meaning "God is
great"), and at bottom center is a scroll bearing the name
Afghanistan; black signifies the past, red is for the blood shed for
independence, and green can represent either hope for the future,
agricultural prosperity, or Islam
note: Afghanistan had more changes to its national flag in the 20th
century than any other country; the colors black, red, and green
appeared on most of them

Akrotiri
the flag of the UK is used

Albania
red with a black two-headed eagle in the center; the design
is claimed to be that of 15th-century hero George Castriota
SKANDERBERG, who led a successful uprising against the Turks that
resulted in a short-lived independence for some Albanian regions
(1443-1478); an unsubstantiated explanation for the eagle symbol is
the tradition that Albanians see themselves as descendants of the
eagle; they refer to themselves as "Shkypetars," which translates as
"sons of the eagle"

Algeria
two equal vertical bands of green (hoist side) and white; a
red, five-pointed star within a red crescent centered over the
two-color boundary; the colors represent Islam (green), purity and
peace (white), and liberty (red); the crescent and star are also
Islamic symbols, but the crescent is more closed than those of other
Muslim countries because the Algerians believe the long crescent
horns bring happiness

American Samoa
blue, with a white triangle edged in red that is
based on the fly side and extends to the hoist side; a brown and
white American bald eagle flying toward the hoist side is carrying
two traditional Samoan symbols of authority, a war club known as a
"Fa'alaufa'i" (upper; left talon), and a coconut fiber fly whisk
known as a "Fue" (lower; right talon); the combination of symbols
broadly mimics that seen on the US Great Seal and reflects the
relationship between the United States and American Samoa

Andorra
three vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red,
with the national coat of arms centered in the yellow band; the
latter band is slightly wider than the other two so that the ratio
of band widths is 8:9:8; the coat of arms features a quartered
shield with the emblems of (starting in the upper left and
proceeding clockwise): Urgell, Foix, Bearn, and Catalonia; the motto
reads VIRTUS UNITA FORTIOR (Strength United is Stronger); the flag
combines the blue and red French colors with the red and yellow of
Spain to show Franco-Spanish protection
note: similar to the flags of Chad and Romania, which do not have a
national coat of arms in the center, and the flag of Moldova, which
does bear a national emblem

Angola
two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and black with a
centered yellow emblem consisting of a five-pointed star within half
a cogwheel crossed by a machete (in the style of a hammer and
sickle); red represents liberty, black the African continent, the
symbols characterize workers and peasants

Anguilla
blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side
quadrant and the Anguillan coat of arms centered in the outer half
of the flag; the coat of arms depicts three orange dolphins in an
interlocking circular design on a white background with a
turquoise-blue field below; the white in the background represents
peace; the blue base symbolizes the surrounding sea, as well as
faith, youth, and hope; the three dolphins stand for endurance,
unity, and strength

Antigua and Barbuda
red, with an inverted isosceles triangle based
on the top edge of the flag; the triangle contains three horizontal
bands of black (top), light blue, and white, with a yellow rising
sun in the black band; the sun symbolizes the dawn of a new era,
black represents the African heritage of most of the population,
blue is for hope, and red is for the dynamism of the people; the "V"
stands for victory; the successive yellow, blue, and white coloring
is also meant to evoke the country's tourist attractions of sun,
sea, and sand

Argentina
three equal horizontal bands of light blue (top), white,
and light blue; centered in the white band is a radiant yellow sun
with a human face known as the Sun of May; the colors represent the
clear skies and snow of the Andes; the sun symbol commemorates the
appearance of the sun through cloudy skies on 25 May 1810 during the
first mass demonstration in favor of independence; the sun features
are those of Inti, the Inca god of the sun

Armenia
three equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue, and orange;
the color red recalls the blood shed for liberty, blue the Armenian
skies as well as hope, and orange the land and the courage of the
workers who farm it

Aruba
blue, with two narrow, horizontal, yellow stripes across the
lower portion and a red, four-pointed star outlined in white in the
upper hoist-side corner; the star represents Aruba and its red soil
and white beaches, its four points the four major languages
(Papiamento, Dutch, Spanish, English) as well as the four points of
a compass, to indicate that its inhabitants come from all over the
world; the blue symbolizes Caribbean waters and skies; the stripes
represent the island's two main "industries": the flow of tourists
to the sun-drenched beaches and the flow of minerals from the earth

Ashmore and Cartier Islands
the flag of Australia is used

Australia
blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side
quadrant and a large seven-pointed star in the lower hoist-side
quadrant known as the Commonwealth or Federation Star, representing
the federation of the colonies of Australia in 1901; the star
depicts one point for each of the six original states and one
representing all of Australia's internal and external territories;
on the fly half is a representation of the Southern Cross
constellation in white with one small five-pointed star and four
larger, seven-pointed stars

Austria
three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and red;
the flag design is certainly one of the oldest - if not the oldest -
national banners in the world; according to tradition, in 1191,
following a fierce battle in the Third Crusade, Duke Leopold V of
Austria's white tunic became completely blood-spattered; upon
removal of his wide belt or sash, a white band was revealed; the
red-white-red color combination was subsequently adopted as his
banner

Azerbaijan
three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), red, and
green; a crescent and eight-pointed star in white are centered in
the red band; the blue band recalls Azerbaijan's Turkic heritage,
red stands for modernization and progress, and green refers to
Islam; the crescent moon is an Islamic symbol, while the
eight-pointed star represents the eight Turkic peoples of the world

Bahamas, The
three equal horizontal bands of aquamarine (top), gold,
and aquamarine, with a black equilateral triangle based on the hoist
side; the band colors represent the golden beaches of the islands
surrounded by the aquamarine sea; black represents the vigor and
force of a united people, while the pointing triangle indicates the
enterprise and determination of the Bahamian people to develop the
rich resources of land and sea

Bahrain
red, the traditional color for flags of Persian Gulf states,
with a white serrated band (five white points) on the hoist side;
the five points represent the five pillars of Islam
note: until 2002 the flag had eight white points, but this was
reduced to five to avoid confusion with the Qatari flag

Bangladesh
green field with a large red disk shifted slightly to the
hoist side of center; the red disk represents the rising sun and the
sacrifice to achieve independence; the green field symbolizes the
lush vegetation of Bangladesh

Barbados
three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), gold, and
blue with the head of a black trident centered on the gold band; the
band colors represent the blue of the sea and sky and the gold of
the beaches; the trident head represents independence and a break
with the past (the colonial coat of arms contained a complete
trident)

Belarus
red horizontal band (top) and green horizontal band one-half
the width of the red band; a white vertical stripe on the hoist side
bears Belarusian national ornamentation in red; the red band color
recalls past struggles from oppression, the green band represents
hope and the many forests of the country

Belgium
three equal vertical bands of black (hoist side), yellow,
and red; the vertical design was based on the flag of France; the
colors are those of the arms of the duchy of Brabant (yellow lion
with red claws and tongue on a black field)

Belize
blue with a narrow red stripe along the top and the bottom
edges; centered is a large white disk bearing the coat of arms; the
coat of arms features a shield flanked by two workers in front of a
mahogany tree with the related motto SUB UMBRA FLOREO (I Flourish in
the Shade) on a scroll at the bottom, all encircled by a green
garland of 50 mahogany leaves; the colors are those of the two main
political parties: blue for the PUP and red for the UDP; various
elements of the coat of arms - the figures, the tools, the mahogany
tree, and the garland of leaves - recall the logging industry that
led to British settlement of Belize
note: Belize's flag is the only national flag that depicts human
beings; two British overseas territories, Montserrat and the British
Virgin Islands, also depict humans

Benin
two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and red (bottom)
with a vertical green band on the hoist side; green symbolizes hope
and revival, yellow wealth, and red courage
note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia

Bermuda
red, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side
quadrant and the Bermudian coat of arms (a white shield with a red
lion standing on a green grassy field holding a scrolled shield
showing the sinking of the ship Sea Venture off Bermuda in 1609)
centered on the outer half of the flag; it was the shipwreck of the
vessel, filled with English colonists originally bound for Virginia,
that led to settling of Bermuda
note: the flag is unusual in that it is only British overseas
territory that uses a red ensign, all others use blue

Bhutan
divided diagonally from the lower hoist-side corner; the
upper triangle is yellow and the lower triangle is orange; centered
along the dividing line is a large black and white dragon facing
away from the hoist side; the dragon, called the Druk (Thunder
Dragon), is the emblem of the nation; its white color stands for
purity and the jewels in its claws symbolize wealth; the background
colors represent spiritual and secular powers within Bhutan: the
orange is associated with Bhuddism, while the yellow denotes the
ruling dynasty

Bolivia
three equal horizontal bands of red (top), yellow, and green
with the coat of arms centered on the yellow band; red stands for
bravery and the blood of national heroes, yellow for the nation's
mineral resources, and green for the fertility of the land
note: similar to the flag of Ghana, which has a large black
five-pointed star centered in the yellow band; in 2009, a
presidential decree made it mandatory for a so-called wiphala - a
square, multi-colored flag representing the country's indigenous
peoples - to be used alongside the traditional flag

Bosnia and Herzegovina
a wide medium blue vertical band on the fly
side with a yellow isosceles triangle abutting the band and the top
of the flag; the remainder of the flag is medium blue with seven
full five-pointed white stars and two half stars top and bottom
along the hypotenuse of the triangle; the triangle approximates the
shape of the country and its three points stand for the constituent
peoples - Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs; the stars represent Europe
and are meant to be continuous (thus the half stars at top and
bottom); the colors (white, blue, and yellow) are often associated
with neutrality and peace, and traditionally are linked with Bosnia

Botswana
light blue with a horizontal white-edged black stripe in
the center; the blue symbolizes water in the form of rain, while the
black and white bands represent racial harmony

Bouvet Island
the flag of Norway is used

Brazil
green with a large yellow diamond in the center bearing a
blue celestial globe with 27 white five-pointed stars; the globe has
a white equatorial band with the motto ORDEM E PROGRESSO (Order and
Progress); the current flag was inspired by the banner of the former
Empire of Brazil (1822-1889); on the imperial flag, the green
represented the House of Braganza of Pedro I, the first Emperor of
Brazil, while the yellow stood for the Habsburg Family of his wife;
on the modern flag the green represents the forests of the country
and the yellow rhombus its mineral wealth; the blue circle and
stars, which replaced the coat of arms of the original flag, depict
the sky over Rio de Janeiro on the morning of 15 November 1889 - the
day the Republic of Brazil was declared; the number of stars has
changed with the creation of new states and has risen from an
original 21 to the current 27 (one for each state and the Federal
District)

British Indian Ocean Territory
white with six blue wavy horizontal
stripes; the flag of the UK is in the upper hoist-side quadrant; the
striped section bears a palm tree and yellow crown (the symbols of
the territory) centered on the outer half of the flag; the wavy
stripes represent the Indian Ocean; although not officially
described, the six blue stripes may stand for the six main atolls of
the archipelago

British Virgin Islands
blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper
hoist-side quadrant and the Virgin Islander coat of arms centered in
the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms depicts a woman flanked
on either side by a vertical column of six oil lamps above a scroll
bearing the Latin word VIGILATE (Be Watchful); the islands were
named by COLUMBUS in 1493 in honor of Saint Ursula and her 11 virgin
followers (some sources say 11,000) who reputedly were martyred by
the Huns in the 4th or 5th century; the figure on the banner holding
a lamp represents the saint, the other lamps symbolize her followers

Brunei
yellow with two diagonal bands of white (top, almost double
width) and black starting from the upper hoist side; the national
emblem in red is superimposed at the center; yellow is the color of
royalty and symbolizes the sultanate; the white and black bands
denote Brunei's chief ministers; the emblem includes five main
components: a swallow-tailed flag, the royal umbrella representing
the monarchy, the wings of four feathers symbolizing justice,
tranquility, prosperity, and peace, the two upraised hands
signifying the government's pledge to preserve and promote the
welfare of the people, and the crescent moon denoting Islam, the
state religion; the state motto "Always render service with God's
guidance" appears in yellow Arabic script on the crescent; a ribbon
below the crescent reads "Brunei, the Abode of Peace"

Bulgaria
three equal horizontal bands of white (top), green, and
red; the pan-Slavic white-blue-red colors were modified by
substituting a green band (representing freedom) for the blue
note: the national emblem, formerly on the hoist side of the white
stripe, has been removed

Burkina Faso
two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with
a yellow five-pointed star in the center; red recalls the country's
struggle for independence, green is for hope and abundance,and
yellow represents the country's mineral wealth
note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia

Burma
design consists of three equal horizontal stripes of yellow
(top), green, and red; centered on the green band is a large white
five-pointed star that partially overlaps onto the adjacent colored
stripes; the design revives the triband colors used by Burma from
1943-45, during the Japanese occupation

Burundi
divided by a white diagonal cross into red panels (top and
bottom) and green panels (hoist side and fly side) with a white disk
superimposed at the center bearing three red six-pointed stars
outlined in green arranged in a triangular design (one star above,
two stars below); green symbolizes hope and optimism, white purity
and peace, and red the blood shed in the struggle for independence;
the three stars in the disk represent the three major ethnic groups:
Hutu, Twa, Tutsi, as well as the three elements in the national
motto: unity, work, progress

Cambodia
three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (double width),
and blue with a white three-towered temple representing Angkor Wat
outlined in black in the center of the red band; red and blue are
traditional Cambodian colors
note: only national flag to incorporate an actual building in its
design

Cameroon
three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), red, and
yellow, with a yellow five-pointed star centered in the red band;
the vertical tricolor recalls the flag of France; red symbolizes
unity, yellow the sun, happiness, and the savannahs in the north,
and green hope and the forests in the south; the star is referred to
as the "star of unity"
note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia

Canada
two vertical bands of red (hoist and fly side, half width)
with white square between them; an 11-pointed red maple leaf is
centered in the white square; the maple leaf has long been a
Canadian symbol; the official colors of Canada are red and white

Cape Verde
five unequal horizontal bands; the top-most band of blue
- equal to one half the width of the flag - is followed by three
bands of white, red, and white, each equal to 1/12 of the width, and
a bottom stripe of blue equal to one quarter of the flag width; a
circle of 10, yellow, five-pointed stars is centered on the red
stripe and positioned 3/8 of the length of the flag from the hoist
side; blue stands for the sea and the sky, the circle of stars
represents the 10 major islands united into a nation, the stripes
symbolize the road to formation of the country through peace (white)
and effort (red)

Cayman Islands
a blue field, with the flag of the UK in the upper
hoist-side quadrant and the Caymanian coat of arms centered on the
outer half of the flag; the coat of arms includes a crest with a
pineapple, representing the connection with Jamaica, and a turtle,
representing Cayman's seafaring tradition, above a shield bearing a
golden lion, symbolizing Great Britain, below which are three green
stars (representing the three islands) surmounting white and blue
wavy lines representing the sea and a scroll at the bottom bearing
the motto HE HATH FOUNDED IT UPON THE SEAS

Central African Republic
four equal horizontal bands of blue (top),
white, green, and yellow with a vertical red band in center; a
yellow five-pointed star to the hoist side of the blue band; banner
combines the Pan-African and French flag colors; red symbolizes the
blood spilled in the struggle for independence, blue represents the
sky and freedom, white peace and dignity, green hope and faith, and
yellow tolerance; the star represents aspiration towards a vibrant
future

Chad
three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and
red; the flag combines the blue and red French (former colonial)
colors with the red and yellow of the Pan-African colors; blue
symbolizes the sky, hope, and the south of the country, which is
relatively well-watered; yellow represents the sun, as well as the
desert in the north of the country; red stands for progress, unity,
and sacrifice
note: similar to the flag of Romania; also similar to the flags of
Andorra and Moldova, both of which have a national coat of arms
centered in the yellow band; design was based on the flag of France

Chile
two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red; a blue
square the same height as the white band at the hoist-side end of
the white band; the square bears a white five-pointed star in the
center representing a guide to progress and honor; blue symbolizes
the sky, white is for the snow-covered Andes, and red represents the
blood spilled to achieve independence
note: design was influenced by the US flag

China
red with a large yellow five-pointed star and four smaller
yellow five-pointed stars (arranged in a vertical arc toward the
middle of the flag) in the upper hoist-side corner; the color red
represents revolution, while the stars symbolize the four social
classes - the working class, the peasantry, the urban petty
bourgeoisie, and the national bourgeoisie (capitalists) - united
under the Communist Party of China

Christmas Island
territorial flag; divided diagonally from upper
hoist to lower fly; the upper triangle is green with a yellow image
of the Golden Bosun Bird superimposed, the lower triangle is blue
with the Southern Cross constellation, representing Australia,
superimposed; a centered yellow disk displays a green map of the
island
note: the flag of Australia is used for official purposes

Clipperton Island
the flag of France is used

Cocos (Keeling) Islands
the flag of Australia is used

Colombia
three horizontal bands of yellow (top, double-width), blue,
and red; the flag retains the three main colors of the banner of
Gran Columbia, the short-lived South American republic that broke up
in 1830; various interpretations of the colors exist and include:
yellow for the gold in Colombia's land, blue for the seas on its
shores, and red for the blood spilled in attaining freedom;
alternatively, the colors have been described as representing more
elemental concepts such as sovereignty and justice (yellow), loyalty
and vigilance (blue), and valour and generosity (red); or simply the
principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity
note: similar to the flag of Ecuador, which is longer and bears the
Ecuadorian coat of arms superimposed in the center

Comoros
four equal horizontal bands of yellow (top), white, red, and
blue, with a green isosceles triangle based on the hoist; centered
within the triangle is a white crescent with the convex side facing
the hoist and four white, five-pointed stars placed vertically in a
line between the points of the crescent; the horizontal bands and
the four stars represent the four main islands of the archipelago -
Mwali, N'gazidja, Nzwani, and Mahore (Mayotte - territorial
collectivity of France, but claimed by Comoros)
note: the crescent, stars, and color green are traditional symbols
of Islam

Congo, Democratic Republic of the
sky blue field divided diagonally
from the lower hoist corner to upper fly corner by a red stripe
bordered by two narrow yellow stripes; a yellow, five-pointed star
appears in the upper hoist corner; blue represents peace and hope,
red the blood of the country's martyrs, and yellow the country's
wealth and prosperity; the star symbolizes unity and the brilliant
future for the country

Congo, Republic of the
divided diagonally from the lower hoist side
by a yellow band; the upper triangle (hoist side) is green and the
lower triangle is red; green symbolizes agriculture and forests,
yellow the friendship and nobility of the people, red is unexplained
but has been associated with the struggle for independence
note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia

Cook Islands
blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side
quadrant and a large circle of 15 white five-pointed stars (one for
every island) centered in the outer half of the flag

Coral Sea Islands
the flag of Australia is used

Costa Rica
five horizontal bands of blue (top), white, red (double
width), white, and blue, with the coat of arms in a white elliptical
disk toward the hoist side of the red band; Costa Rica retained the
earlier blue-white-blue flag of Central America until 1848 when, in
response to revolutionary activity in Europe, it was decided to
incorporate the French colors into the national flag and a central
red stripe was added; today the blue color is said to stand for the
sky, opportunity, and perseverence, white denotes peace, happiness,
and wisdom, while red represents the blood shed for freedom, as well
as the generosity and vibrancy of the people
note: somewhat resembles the flag of North Korea; similar to the
flag of Thailand but with the blue and red colors reversed

Cote d'Ivoire
three equal vertical bands of orange (hoist side),
white, and green; orange symbolizes the land (savannah) of the north
and fertility, white stands for peace and unity, green represents
the forests of the south and the hope for a bright future
note: similar to the flag of Ireland, which is longer and has the
colors reversed - green (hoist side), white, and orange; also
similar to the flag of Italy, which is green (hoist side), white,
and red; design was based on the flag of France

Croatia
three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and blue -
the Pan-Slav colors - superimposed by the Croatian coat of arms; the
coat of arms consists of one main shield (a checkerboard of 13 red
and 12 silver (white) fields) surmounted by five smaller shields
that form a crown over the main shield; the five small shields
represent five historic regions, they are (from left to right):
Croatia, Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Istria, and Slavonia
note: the Pan-Slav colors were inspired by the 19th-century flag of
Russia

Cuba
five equal horizontal bands of blue (top, center, and bottom)
alternating with white; a red equilateral triangle based on the
hoist side bears a white, five-pointed star in the center; the blue
bands refer to the three old divisions of the island: central,
occidental, and oriental; the white bands describe the purity of the
independence ideal; the triangle symbolizes liberty, equality, and
fraternity, while the red color stands for the blood shed in the
independence struggle; the white star, called La Estrella Solitaria
(the Lone Star) lights the way to freedom and was taken from the
flag of Texas
note: design similar to the Puerto Rican flag, with the colors of
the bands and triangle reversed

Curacao
on a blue field a horizontal yellow band somewhat below the
center divides the flag into proportions of 5:1:2; two five-pointed
white stars - the smaller above and to the left of the larger -
appear in the canton; the blue of the upper and lower sections
symbolizes the sky and sea respectively; yellow represents the sun;
the stars symbolize Curacao and its uninhabited smaller sister
island of Klein Curacao; the five star points signify the five
continents from which Curacao's people derive

Cyprus
white with a copper-colored silhouette of the island (the
name Cyprus is derived from the Greek word for copper) above two
green crossed olive branches in the center of the flag; the branches
symbolize the hope for peace and reconciliation between the Greek
and Turkish communities
note: the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" flag retains the
white field of the Cyprus national flag but displays narrow
horizontal red stripes positioned a small distance from the top and
bottom edges between which are centered a red crescent and a red
five-pointed star; the banner is modeled after the Turkish national
flag but with the colors reversed

Czech Republic
two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red
with a blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist side
note: is identical to the flag of the former Czechoslovakia; uses
the Pan-Slav colors inspired by the 19th-century flag of Russia

Denmark
red with a white cross that extends to the edges of the
flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side;
the banner is referred to as the Dannebrog (Danish flag) and is one
of the oldest national flags in the world; traditions as to the
origin of the flag design vary, but the best known is a legend that
the banner fell from the sky during an early-13th century battle;
caught up by the Danish king before it ever touched the earth, this
heavenly talisman inspired the royal army to victory; in actuality,
the flag may derive from a crusade banner or ensign
note: the shifted design element was subsequently adopted by the
other Nordic countries of Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden

Dhekelia
the flag of the UK is used

Djibouti
two equal horizontal bands of light blue (top) and light
green with a white isosceles triangle based on the hoist side
bearing a red five-pointed star in the center; blue stands for sea
and sky and the Issa Somali people; green symbolizes earth and the
Afar people; white represents peace; the red star recalls the
struggle for independence and stands for unity

Dominica
green, with a centered cross of three equal bands - the
vertical part is yellow (hoist side), black, and white and the
horizontal part is yellow (top), black, and white; superimposed in
the center of the cross is a red disk bearing a Sisserou Parrot,
unique to Dominica, encircled by 10 green, five-pointed stars edged
in yellow; the 10 stars represent the 10 administrative divisions
(parishes); green symbolizes the island's lush vegetation; the
triple-colored cross represents the Christian Trinity; the yellow
color denotes sunshine, the main agricultural products (citrus and
bananas), and the native Carib Indians; black is for the rich soil
and the African heritage of most citizens; white signifies rivers,
waterfalls, and the purity of aspirations; the red disc stands for
social justice

Dominican Republic
a centered white cross that extends to the edges
divides the flag into four rectangles - the top ones are blue (hoist
side) and red, and the bottom ones are red (hoist side) and blue; a
small coat of arms featuring a shield supported by a laurel branch
(left) and a palm branch (right) is at the center of the cross;
above the shield a blue ribbon displays the motto, DIOS, PATRIA,
LIBERTAD (God, Fatherland, Liberty), and below the shield, REPUBLICA
DOMINICANA appears on a red ribbon; in the shield a bible is opened
to a verse that reads "Y la verdad nos hara libre" (And the truth
shall set you free); blue stands for liberty, white for salvation,
and red for the blood of heroes

Ecuador
three horizontal bands of yellow (top, double width), blue,
and red with the coat of arms superimposed at the center of the
flag; the flag retains the three main colors of the banner of Gran
Columbia, the South American republic that broke up in 1830; the
yellow color represents sunshine, grain, and mineral wealth, blue
the sky, sea, and rivers, and red the blood of patriots spilled in
the struggle for freedom and justice
note: similar to the flag of Colombia, which is shorter and does not
bear a coat of arms

Egypt
three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black;
the national emblem (a gold Eagle of Saladin facing the hoist side
with a shield superimposed on its chest above a scroll bearing the
name of the country in Arabic) centered in the white band; the band
colors derive from the Arab Liberation flag and represent oppression
(black), overcome through bloody struggle (red), to be replaced by a
bright future (white)
note: similar to the flag of Syria, which has two green stars in the
white band, Iraq, which has an Arabic inscription centered in the
white band, and Yemen, which has a plain white band

El Salvador
three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and
blue with the national coat of arms centered in the white band; the
coat of arms features a round emblem encircled by the words
REPUBLICA DE EL SALVADOR EN LA AMERICA CENTRAL; the banner is based
on the former blue-white-blue flag of the Federal Republic of
Central America; the blue bands symbolize the Pacific Ocean and the
Caribbean Sea, while the white band represents the land between the
two bodies of water, as well as peace and prosperity
note: similar to the flag of Nicaragua, which has a different coat
of arms centered in the white band - it features a triangle
encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE NICARAGUA on top and AMERICA
CENTRAL on the bottom; also similar to the flag of Honduras, which
has five blue stars arranged in an X pattern centered in the white
band

Equatorial Guinea
three equal horizontal bands of green (top),
white, and red, with a blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist
side and the coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of
arms has six yellow six-pointed stars (representing the mainland and
five offshore islands) above a gray shield bearing a silk-cotton
tree and below which is a scroll with the motto UNIDAD, PAZ,
JUSTICIA (Unity, Peace, Justice); green symbolizes the jungle and
natural resources, blue represents the sea that connects the
mainland to the islands, white stands for peace, and red recalls the
fight for independence

Eritrea
red isosceles triangle (based on the hoist side) dividing
the flag into two right triangles; the upper triangle is green, the
lower one is blue; a gold wreath encircling a gold olive branch is
centered on the hoist side of the red triangle; green stands for the
country's agriculture economy, red signifies the blood shed in the
fight for freedom, and blue symbolizes the bounty of the sea; the
wreath-olive branch symbol is similar to that on the first flag of
Eritrea from 1952; the shape of the red triangle broadly mimics the
shape of the country

Estonia
three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), black, and
white; various interpretations are linked to the flag colors; blue
represents faith, loyalty, and devotion, while also reminiscent of
the sky, sea, and lakes of the country; black symbolizes the soil of
the country and the dark past and suffering endured by the Estonian
people; white refers to the striving towards enlightenment and
virtue, and is the color of birch bark and snow, as well as summer
nights illuminated by the midnight sun

Ethiopia
three equal horizontal bands of green (top), yellow, and
red, with a yellow pentagram and single yellow rays emanating from
the angles between the points on a light blue disk centered on the
three bands; green represents hope and the fertility of the land,
yellow symbolizes justice and harmony, while red stands for
sacrifice and heroism in the defense of the land; the blue of the
disk symbolizes peace and the pentagram represents the unity and
equality of the nationalities and peoples of Ethiopia
note: Ethiopia is the oldest independent country in Africa, and the
three main colors of her flag (adopted ca. 1895) were so often
adopted by other African countries upon independence that they
became known as the Pan-African colors; the emblem in the center of
the current flag was added in 1996

European Union
a blue field with 12 five-pointed gold stars arranged
in a circle in the center; blue represents the sky of the Western
world, the stars are the peoples of Europe in a circle, a symbol of
unity; the number of stars is fixed

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
blue with the flag of the UK in
the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Falkland Island coat of arms
centered on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms contains a
white ram (sheep raising was once the major economic activity) above
the sailing ship Desire (whose crew discovered the islands) with a
scroll at the bottom bearing the motto DESIRE THE RIGHT

Faroe Islands
white with a red cross outlined in blue extending to
the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted
toward the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag);
referred to as Merkid, meaning "the banner" or "the mark," the flag
resembles those of neighboring Iceland and Norway, and uses the same
three colors - but in a different sequence; white represents the
clear Faroese sky as well as the foam of the waves; red and blue are
traditional Faroese colors

Fiji
light blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side
quadrant and the Fijian shield centered on the outer half of the
flag; the blue symbolizes the Pacific ocean and the Union Jack
reflects the links with Great Britain; the shield - taken from
Fiji's coat of arms - depicts a yellow lion above a white field
quartered by the cross of Saint George; the four quarters depict
stalks of sugarcane, a palm tree, bananas, and a white dove

Finland
white with a blue cross extending to the edges of the flag;
the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the
style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag); the blue represents the
thousands of lakes scattered across the country, while the white is
for the snow that covers the land in winter

France
three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), white, and
red; known as the "Le drapeau tricolore" (French Tricolor), the
origin of the flag dates to 1790 and the French Revolution when the
"ancient French color" of white was combined with the blue and red
colors of the Parisian militia; the official flag for all French
dependent areas
note: the design and/or colors are similar to a number of other
flags, including those of Belgium, Chad, Cote d'Ivoire, Ireland,
Italy, Luxembourg, and Netherlands

French Polynesia
two red horizontal bands encase a wide white band
in a 1:2:1 ratio; centered on the white band is a disk with a blue
and white wave pattern depicting the sea on the lower half and a
gold and white ray pattern depicting the sun on the upper half; a
stylized red, blue, and white ship rides on the wave pattern; the
ship has a crew of five represented by five stars that symbolize the
five island groups; red and white are traditional Polynesian colors
note: similar to the red-white-red flag of Tahiti, the largest of
the islands in French Polynesia, which has no emblem in the white
band; the flag of France is used for official occasions

French Southern and Antarctic Lands
the flag of France is used

Gabon
three equal horizontal bands of green (top), yellow, and blue;
green represents the country's forests and natural resources, gold
represents the equator (which transects Gabon) as well as the sun,
blue represents the sea

Gambia, The
three equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue with
white edges, and green; red stands for the sun and the savannah,
blue represents the Gambia River, and green symbolizes forests and
agriculture; the white stripes denote unity and peace

Georgia
white rectangle with a central red cross extending to all
four sides of the flag; each of the four quadrants displays a small
red bolnur-katskhuri cross; although adopted as the official
Georgian flag in 2004, the five-cross flag design appears to date
back to the 14th century

Germany
three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and gold;
these colors have played an important role in German history and can
be traced back to the medieval banner of the Holy Roman Emperor - a
black eagle with red claws and beak on a gold field

Ghana
three equal horizontal bands of red (top), yellow, and green,
with a large black five-pointed star centered in the yellow band;
red symbolizes the blood shed for independence, yellow represents
the country's mineral wealth, while green stands for its forests and
natural wealth; the black star is said to be the lodestar of African
freedom
note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia; similar to
the flag of Bolivia, which has a coat of arms centered in the yellow
band

Gibraltar
two horizontal bands of white (top, double width) and red
with a three-towered red castle in the center of the white band;
hanging from the castle gate is a gold key centered in the red band;
the design is that of Gibraltar's coat of arms granted on 10 July
1502 by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain; the castle
symbolizes Gibraltar as a fortress, while the key represents
Gibraltar's strategic importance - the key to the Mediterranean

Greece
nine equal horizontal stripes of blue alternating with white;
a blue square bearing a white cross appears in the upper hoist-side
corner; the cross symbolizes Greek Orthodoxy, the established
religion of the country; there is no agreed upon meaning for the
nine stripes or for the colors; the exact shade of blue has never
been set by law and has varied from a light to a dark blue over time

Greenland
two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red with a
large disk slightly to the hoist side of center - the top half of
the disk is red, the bottom half is white; the design represents the
sun reflecting off a field of ice; the colors are the same as those
of the Danish flag and symbolize Greenland's links to the Kingdom of
Denmark

Grenada
a rectangle divided diagonally into yellow triangles (top
and bottom) and green triangles (hoist side and outer side), with a
red border around the flag; there are seven yellow, five-pointed
stars with three centered in the top red border, three centered in
the bottom red border, and one on a red disk superimposed at the
center of the flag; there is also a symbolic nutmeg pod on the
hoist-side triangle (Grenada is the world's second-largest producer
of nutmeg, after Indonesia); the seven stars stand for the seven
administrative divisions, with the central star denoting the
capital, St. George; yellow represents the sun and the warmth of the
people, green stands for vegetation and agriculture, and red
symbolizes harmony, unity, and courage

Guam
territorial flag is dark blue with a narrow red border on all
four sides; centered is a red-bordered, pointed, vertical ellipse
containing a beach scene, a proa or outrigger canoe with sail, and a
palm tree with the word GUAM superimposed in bold red letters; the
proa is sailing in Agana Bay with the promontory of Punta Dos
Amantes, near the capital, in the background; blue represents the
sea and red the blood shed in the struggle against oppression
note: the US flag is the national flag

Guatemala
three equal vertical bands of light blue (hoist side),
white, and light blue, with the coat of arms centered in the white
band; the coat of arms includes a green and red quetzal (the
national bird) representing liberty and a scroll bearing the
inscription LIBERTAD 15 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1821 (the original date of
independence from Spain) all superimposed on a pair of crossed
rifles signifying Guatemala's willingness to defend itself and a
pair of crossed swords representing honor and framed by a laurel
wreath symbolizing victory; the blue bands stand for the Pacific
Ocean and the Caribbean Sea and the sea and sky; the white band
denotes peace and purity

Guernsey
white with the red cross of Saint George (patron saint of
England) extending to the edges of the flag and a yellow equal-armed
cross of William the Conqueror superimposed on the Saint George
cross; the red cross represents the old ties with England and the
fact that Guernsey is a British Crown dependency; the gold cross is
a replica of the one used by Duke William of Normandy at the Battle
of Hastings

Guinea
three equal vertical bands of red (hoist side), yellow, and
green; red represents the people's sacrifice for liberation and
work; yellow stands for the sun, for the riches of the earth, and
for justice; green symbolizes the country's vegetation and unity
note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia; the colors
from left to right are the reverse of those on the flags of
neighboring Mali and Senegal

Guinea-Bissau
two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and green
with a vertical red band on the hoist side; there is a black
five-pointed star centered in the red band; yellow symbolizes the
sun; green denotes hope; red represents blood shed during the
struggle for independence; the black star stands for African unity
note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia; the flag
design was heavily influenced by the Ghanian flag

Guyana
green, with a red isosceles triangle (based on the hoist
side) superimposed on a long, yellow arrowhead; there is a narrow,
black border between the red and yellow, and a narrow, white border
between the yellow and the green; green represents forest and
foliage; yellow stands for mineral resources and a bright future;
white symbolizes Guyana's rivers; red signifies zeal and the
sacrifice of the people; black indicates perseverance

Haiti
two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red with a
centered white rectangle bearing the coat of arms, which contains a
palm tree flanked by flags and two cannons above a scroll bearing
the motto L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE (Union Makes Strength); the colors
are taken from the French Tricolor and represent the union of blacks
and mulattoes

Heard Island and McDonald Islands
the flag of Australia is used

Holy See (Vatican City)
two vertical bands of yellow (hoist side)
and white with the arms of the Holy See, consisting of the crossed
keys of Saint Peter surmounted by the three-tiered papal tiara,
centered in the white band; the yellow color represents the pope's
spiritual power, the white his worldly power

Honduras
three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and
blue, with five blue, five-pointed stars arranged in an X pattern
centered in the white band; the stars represent the members of the
former Federal Republic of Central America - Costa Rica, El
Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua; the blue bands
symbolize the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea; the white band
represents the land between the two bodies of water and the peace
and prosperity of its people
note: similar to the flag of El Salvador, which features a round
emblem encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE EL SALVADOR EN LA AMERICA
CENTRAL centered in the white band; also similar to the flag of
Nicaragua, which features a triangle encircled by the words
REPUBLICA DE NICARAGUA on top and AMERICA CENTRAL on the bottom,
centered in the white band

Hong Kong
red with a stylized, white, five-petal Bauhinia flower in
the center; each petal contains a small, red, five-pointed star in
its middle; the red color is the same as that on the Chinese flag
and represents the motherland; the fragrant Bauhinia - developed in
Hong Kong the late 19th century - has come to symbolize the region;
the five stars echo those on the flag of China

Hungary
three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and green;
the flag dates to the national movement of the 18th and 19th
centuries, and fuses the medieval colors of the Hungarian coat of
arms with the revolutionary tricolor form of the French flag;
folklore attributes virtues to the colors: red for strength, white
for faithfulness, and green for hope; alternatively, the red is seen
as being for the blood spilled in defense of the land, white for
freedom, and green for the pasturelands that make up so much of the
country

Iceland
blue with a red cross outlined in white extending to the
edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the
hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag); the colors
represent three of the elements that make up the island: red is for
the island's volcanic fires, white recalls the snow and ice fields
of the island, and blue is for the surrounding ocean

India
three equal horizontal bands of saffron (subdued orange)
(top), white, and green, with a blue chakra (24-spoked wheel)
centered in the white band; saffron represents courage, sacrifice,
and the spirit of renunciation; white signifies purity and truth;
green stands for faith and fertility; the blue chakra symbolizes the
wheel of life in movement and death in stagnation
note: similar to the flag of Niger, which has a small orange disk
centered in the white band

Indonesia
two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; the
colors derive from the banner of the Majapahit Empire of the
13th-15th centuries; red symbolizes courage, white represents purity
note: similar to the flag of Monaco, which is shorter; also similar
to the flag of Poland, which is white (top) and red

Iran
three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and red;
the national emblem (a stylized representation of the word Allah in
the shape of a tulip, a symbol of martyrdom) in red is centered in
the white band; ALLAH AKBAR (God is Great) in white Arabic script is
repeated 11 times along the bottom edge of the green band and 11
times along the top edge of the red band; green is the color of
Islam and also represents growth, white symbolizes honesty and
peace, red stands for bravery and martyrdom

Iraq
three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black;
the Takbir (Arabic expression meaning "God is great") in green
Arabic script is centered in the white band; the band colors derive
from the Arab Liberation flag and represent oppression (black),
overcome through bloody struggle (red), to be replaced by a bright
future (white); the Council of Representatives approved this flag in
2008 as a compromise temporary replacement for the Ba'athist
Saddam-era flag
note: similar to the flag of Syria, which has two stars but no
script, Yemen, which has a plain white band, and that of Egypt,
which has a gold Eagle of Saladin centered in the white band

Ireland
three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and
orange; officially the flag colors have no meaning, but a common
interpretation is that the green represents the Irish nationalist
(Gaelic) tradition of Ireland; orange represents the Orange
tradition (minority supporters of William of Orange); white
symbolizes peace (or a lasting truce) between the green and the
orange
note: similar to the flag of Cote d'Ivoire, which is shorter and has
the colors reversed - orange (hoist side), white, and green; also
similar to the flag of Italy, which is shorter and has colors of
green (hoist side), white, and red

Isle of Man
red with the Three Legs of Man emblem (triskelion), in
the center; the three legs are joined at the thigh and bent at the
knee; in order to have the toes pointing clockwise on both sides of
the flag, a two-sided emblem is used; the flag is based on the
coat-of-arms of the last recognized Norse King of Mann, Magnus III
(r. 1252-1265); the triskelion has its roots in an early Celtic sun
symbol

Israel
white with a blue hexagram (six-pointed linear star) known as
the Magen David (Shield of David) centered between two equal
horizontal blue bands near the top and bottom edges of the flag; the
basic design resembles a Jewish prayer shawl (tallit), which is
white with blue stripes; the hexagram as a Jewish symbol dates back
to medieval times