Exploring the 195 national flags and thousands more

Flags are among the most recognisable symbols on Earth. They flutter proudly from government buildings, mark ships at sea, and feature in global sporting events — but have you ever wondered how many different flags there are in the world? The answer is more complex (and fascinating) than you might think.

There are currently 195 countries in the world, each represented by its own national flag:

• 193 member states of the United Nations, plus
• 2 observer states — the Holy See (Vatican City) and Palestine.

That means there are 195 official national flags in use today. Each design carries deep meaning, often reflecting a country’s history, geography, culture, and values.

For example:

• The Union Flag (UK) combines the crosses of England, Scotland, and Ireland.
• The Japanese flag features a red sun, symbolising the country’s nickname — the “Land of the Rising Sun.”
• The Canadian flag’s maple leaf stands for unity and nature.

Beyond Nations: Regional, State, and Territorial Flags

But national flags are just the beginning. Many regions, territories, and states also have their own unique flags. For example:

• The United States has 50 state flags.
• The United Kingdom includes national flags for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, plus numerous regional and county flags.
• Australia has six state flags and several territorial ones.

When you include subnational and regional flags, the number easily rises into the thousands.

Flags of Organisations and Movements

Flags are not limited to nations or regions. Many international organisations and movements have their own flags too — symbols of shared identity or purpose.
Some examples include:

• The United Nations flag — representing peace and global cooperation.
• The European Union flag — twelve gold stars on blue, symbolising unity.
• The Red Cross and Red Crescent flags — recognised worldwide as symbols of humanitarian aid.
• The Pride flag — representing diversity and inclusion.

If you include all organisational, cultural, and political flags, the global total reaches well over 10,000 unique designs.

A Universal Language of Symbols

Despite their differences, all flags share a common purpose: to communicate identity and unity through colour and design. A flag can tell a story at a glance — of independence, faith, struggle, or pride. That’s why flags continue to hold such emotional and cultural power across the globe.

So, How Many Flags Are There?

If you’re counting only national flags, the number is 195.
But if you include regional, territorial, organisational, cultural, and historical flags, the number easily exceeds 10,000 — and continues to grow as new communities and causes create symbols of their own.

From the stars and stripes of the United States to the tricolour of France and the simple red circle of Japan, every flag tells a story. Together, they form a colourful tapestry of the human experience — a world united in its diversity, stitched together by symbols of pride, belonging, and hope.