7 Fun Facts About Flags
Here are some fun facts about flags, including surprising designs and what those shapes and colors really represent.
1. Nepal Has the Only Flag That’s Not a Rectangle
Nepal’s flag is two stacked triangles — the only national flag in the world that isn’t rectangular. The two triangles represent the Himalayas and also symbolize the country’s two major religions: Hinduism and Buddhism.
2. The Red in the U.S. Flag Doesn’t Stand for Blood
Contrary to popular belief, the U.S. flag's red doesn’t officially stand for bloodshed. According to the 1782 explanation by Charles Thomson (designer of the Great Seal), the colors mean:
Red = valor and bravery
White = purity and innocence
Blue = vigilance, perseverance, and justice
3. Paraguay’s Flag Has a Different Front and Back
Most flags look the same on both sides. Not Paraguay’s! The front shows the national coat of arms, while the back displays the seal of the treasury, making it the only national flag with a two-sided design.
4. Bhutan’s Flag Has a Dragon Holding Jewels
Bhutan's flag features a snarling white dragon, representing protection, and the country’s name in Bhutanese, which means “Land of the Thunder Dragon.” The dragon is holding jewels in its claws — symbolizing the wealth and security of the nation.
5. Libya Once Had a Completely Green Flag — That’s It
From 1977 to 2011, Libya used the only single-color national flag in history — just a solid green field. No symbols. No stripes. Just… green. It symbolized Gaddafi’s “Green Book” philosophy, which promoted Islamic socialism and rejected both capitalism and communism.
6. Denmark Has the Oldest Continuously Used Flag
The Danish flag, known as the Dannebrog, has been in use since 1219 — over 800 years! Legend has it that it fell from the sky during a battle and inspired a Danish victory.
7. Flag Fanatics Have a Name
Flag trivia lovers are called vexillologists — from the Latin word vexillum, meaning flag. There's even an official organization: the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA).