The Most Unique Flags in the World

Most flags follow predictable formats: rectangles with stripes or simple symbols. But some nations have opted for truly unique designs that make them immediately recognizable.

Nepal: The Only Non-Rectangular Flag

Nepal's flag is the only national flag in the world that is not rectangular (or square). It consists of two stacked triangular pennants, representing the Himalayan mountains and the country's two main religions: Hinduism and Buddhism.

The sun and moon symbols represent the hope that Nepal will last as long as these celestial bodies. The exact mathematical construction of the flag is described in the Nepalese constitution, with precise geometric instructions.

Switzerland and Vatican: The Only Square Ones

While most flags have rectangular proportions (typically 2:3 or 3:5), Switzerland and Vatican City are the only countries with officially square flags.

The Swiss white cross on a red background is so iconic that it inspired the Red Cross logo (with inverted colors). The Vatican's shows the keys of St. Peter and the papal tiara.

Mozambique: The AK-47

Mozambique is the only country whose flag includes a modern firearm: an AK-47 assault rifle with bayonet. The weapon is crossed with a hoe over an open book, representing defense, agriculture, and education.

There have been debates about whether the rifle should be removed, but it remains part of the national identity, symbolizing the struggle for independence.

Bhutan: The Thunder Dragon

Bhutan's flag features a dramatic white dragon (Druk) holding jewels in its claws. The country is called "Druk Yul" or "Land of the Thunder Dragon." The dragon represents the country's purity and the jewels symbolize wealth protected by the dragon.

Cambodia: Angkor Wat

Cambodia is one of the few countries that shows a building on its flag. The temple of Angkor Wat, the largest religious complex in the world, appears in white on a red stripe.

Kyrgyzstan: The Roof of a Yurt

Kyrgyzstan's flag shows a tunduk, the circular crown of a yurt's roof (traditional nomadic tent), seen from below. It is the only flag that represents an architectural structure from this perspective.

Cyprus: The Country Map

Cyprus shows the complete silhouette of the island in copper color (representing its copper mines, from which the island's name comes) on a white background with olive branches.

Turkmenistan: The Most Complex

Turkmenistan's flag is considered the most detailed in the world. It includes a vertical stripe with five traditional carpet designs (guls), each representing one of the five main tribes. Each design has multiple colors and intricate patterns.

Paraguay: Different on Each Side

Paraguay has a flag with different designs on the obverse and reverse. The front shows the national coat of arms with a star, the reverse shows the treasury seal with a lion. It is the only national flag with two distinct faces.

Belize: Prominent Human Figures

Belize is the only country that features complete and prominent human figures on its flag. Two men (a mestizo and a creole) hold the national coat of arms, representing the country's historic logging industry.