Flags of the World: Colors and Symbols

Explanation: The flag of Sri Lanka features a golden lion holding a sword on a maroon background, flanked by green and orange stripes representing the Muslim and Tamil minorities.

Explanation: The flag of Kazakhstan, adopted in 1992, is turquoise blue with a sun of 32 rays and a steppe eagle. The ornamental pattern on the left side is inspired by traditional Kazakh art.

Explanation: The Ukrainian flag, adopted in 1992 after independence, represents the blue sky above golden wheat fields. Its origins date back to the 19th century.

Explanation: The Croatian flag features three horizontal stripes of red, white and blue with the national coat of arms in the center, a red and white checkerboard pattern dating back to the Middle Ages.

Explanation: The flag of Argentina features three horizontal stripes (light blue, white, light blue) with the "Sun of May" in the center, a symbol of independence.

Explanation: The flag of Pakistan, adopted in 1947, is mainly green (symbolizing Islam) with a white vertical band (non-Muslim minorities) and the crescent and star.

Explanation: The flag of Australia combines the British Union Jack, the seven-pointed Federation Star, and the Southern Cross constellation.

Explanation: The flag of Canada, adopted in 1965, features a stylized 11-pointed red maple leaf on a white background, flanked by two red bands.

Explanation: The flag of the Netherlands features three horizontal stripes: red on top, white in the middle, blue at the bottom. Not to be confused with Luxembourg.

Explanation: The flag of China, adopted in 1949, features a large yellow star surrounded by four smaller ones on a red background, symbolizing the unity of the Chinese people.

Explanation: The flag of Ireland consists of three vertical stripes: green (hoist side), white and orange. The white symbolizes peace between Catholics (green) and Protestants (orange).

Explanation: The French flag, called "le Tricolore," was adopted during the French Revolution. Blue and red are the colors of Paris, white the royal color.

Explanation: The Indian flag, adopted in 1947, features the Ashoka Chakra (wheel of law) with 24 spokes in the center of the white band.

Explanation: The Swiss flag is one of only two square flags in the world (along with Vatican City). The white cross on red background dates back to the 13th century.

Explanation: The Japanese flag, called Nisshōki or Hinomaru (sun disc), represents the sun. It has been officially adopted since 1999 but used for centuries.

Explanation: Ghana adopted these Pan-African colors in 1957 upon independence. The black star symbolizes African emancipation and freedom.

Explanation: The American flag has 50 stars (one per state) and 13 stripes (for the founding colonies). The last star was added in 1960 for Hawaii.

Explanation: The Swedish flag features the Scandinavian yellow cross on blue background. The colors come from the royal coat of arms dating to the 14th century.

Explanation: The Brazilian flag depicts a starry sky (27 stars for the states) with the motto "Ordem e Progresso". Green symbolizes the forests, yellow the gold.

Explanation: Wales features a red dragon (Y Ddraig Goch) on green and white background. It is one of the oldest flags still in use worldwide.