Learn flags by symbol
Beyond colour, symbols tell a nation's story — from constellations to eagles. Pick a symbol to see the flags that carry it.
Stars
Guidance, aspiration and unity. On many flags each star stands for a state, province or people.
Star clusters
Constellations like the Southern Cross or the 27 stars of Brazil map real skies onto national identity.
Crosses
Christian heritage — from the Nordic cross to the Union Jack and the Saltire.
Crescent
Historically Ottoman, now widely associated with Islam and the Muslim world.
Suns
From the Sun of May in Argentina to Japan's rising sun — light, sovereignty, new beginnings.
Eagles
Power and imperial heritage — Roman, Aztec, Habsburg. Appears from Mexico to Egypt to Albania.
Shields & coats of arms
Defence and dynastic history — often crammed with symbols in Latin America and the Iberian peninsula.
Stripes
The 13 stripes of the USA and the nine of Greece — stripes count states, provinces or founding events.