Flag trivia – Fun facts about flags

Are you studying for your local pub quiz for the General Knowledge round? Or do you enjoy learning trivia facts to wow your friends? Here we bring you flag trivia and fun facts that are perfect to store away, ready to retrieve when needed!

Nepal’s unique flag shape

Nepal is the only country in the world with a national flag that is neither square nor rectangular. Its flag is composed of two stacked triangles, symbolising the Himalayan mountains. The flag represents the country’s geographic and cultural diversity.

The Olympic flag

Many know that the Olympic flag features five interlocking rings in blue, yellow, black, green, and red. But did you know that these rings represent the five inhabited continents of the world? They also symbolise the unity and friendship of athletes from all nations participating in the Olympic Games.

The largest flag in the word

The Guinness World Records state that the largest flag ever flown was in March 2022. It was 2,554.31m2 and was flown in Egypt. The largest flag suspended was 2,773.84m2, in Kuwait, in 2023.

The oldest national flag

The oldest continuously-used national flag in the world belongs to Denmark. The Danish flag, known as the “Dannebrog,” has been in use for over 800 years. It is thought the ‘white cross on red background’ design was used by Danish kings back in the 14th Century.

Vatican City’s flag with religious symbols

The flag of Vatican City, the smallest independent state in the world, features two vertical bands of gold and white. The crossed keys of Saint Peter and the Papal Tiara are featured in the centre. It is one of the few flags in the world to feature religious symbols.

The Jolly Roger

The Jolly Roger is commonly associated with piracy. It’s a black flag featuring a skull and crossbones symbol. Contrary to popular belief, there was no single “pirate flag”. During 17th Century, pirates flew both black and red flags, with different symbolic meanings. On occasion a skull was featured on the flags, but in most cases the flags were plain. The first known use of the Jolly Roger was by a French pirate named Emmanuel Wynne. He flew the flag during a battle in July 1700.

The largest 3D printed flag

The Guinness World Records certify that the largest 3D printed flag in the world was in Miami in March 2020. The record stands at 15.57m2 and was sought in order to draw attention to the use of 3D printing for the sustainable creation of textile-like products.

Flags on the Moon

Six flags were planted on the Moon by astronauts during the Apollo missions. Due to the lack of atmosphere and harsh lunar conditions, these flags are now believed to be faded. They are likely bleached white from exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Union Flag versus Union Jack

The name of the flag of the United Kingdom is a matter of debate for many. Some believe the names can be used interchangeably. Others believe a Union Jack is specifically the Union flag flown on a warship. The Flag Institute confirms that both names were used interchangeably, irrespective of use, from the 17th Century. It is now generally accepted that the flag can be named either the Union Flag or the Union Jack.

The Red Cross flag

The Red Cross flag is one of the most widely recognised flags in the world. It features a red cross on a white background. Did you know that this flag is a symbol of neutrality and protection during times of conflict and humanitarian crisis?