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{{short description|Piece of fabric with a distinctive design and colours}}
{{other uses}}
{{pp-vandalism|small=yes}}
{{EngvarB|date=December 2018}}
[[File:United Nations Flags - cropped.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.25|[[United Nations]] members' [[national flag]]s]]
[[File:Lenini mäetipp (J. Künnap).jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.25|Setting up a flag could also possess the meaning of conquering something. [[Jaan Künnap]] with the [[flag of Estonia]] at the top of [[Lenin Peak]] ({{convert|7134|m|abbr=in|disp=sqbr}}) in 1989.]]

A '''flag''' is a piece of [[textile|fabric]] (most often rectangular) with distinctive colours and design. It is used as a [[symbol]], a [[signalling]] device, or for decoration. The term ''flag'' is also used to refer to the [[graphic design]] employed, and flags have evolved into a general tool for rudimentary signalling and identification, especially in environments where communication is challenging (such as the [[Maritime flag|maritime environment]], where [[Flag semaphore|semaphore]] is used). Many flags fall into groups of similar designs called [[flag families]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Znamierowski |first=Alfred |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OwueMQEACAAJ |title=The World Encyclopedia of Flags: The Definitive Guide to International Flags, Banners, Standards and Ensigns, with Over 1400 Illustration |date=2013 |publisher=Lorenz Books |isbn=978-0-7548-2629-3 |pages=100–129 |language=en}}</ref> The study of flags is known as "[[vexillology]]" from the [[Latin]] {{Lang|la|vexillum}}, meaning "flag" or "[[banner]]".

[[National flag]]s are [[patriotic]] symbols with widely varied interpretations that often include strong [[military]] associations because of their original and ongoing use for that purpose. Flags are also used in [[messaging]], [[advertising]], or for [[decorative]] purposes.

Some military units are called "flags" after their use of flags. A ''flag'' (Arabic: {{Lang|ar|لواء|italic=no}}) is equivalent to a [[brigade]] in Arab countries. In Spain, a ''flag'' (Spanish: ''{{Lang|es|bandera}}'') is a [[battalion]]-equivalent in the [[Spanish Legion]].{{cn|date=December 2023}}

==History==
{{Main|History of flags}}
[[File:Bronze flag, Shadad Kerman, Iran.JPG|upright|thumb|right|Bronze flag Derafsh Shahdad found in [[Shahdad]], Iran, third millennium BC]]

The origin of the flag is unknown<ref>Inglefield, p. 39.</ref> and it remains unclear when the first flag was raised.<ref name="archive.org">{{Cite book |last=Smith |first=Whitney |url=http://archive.org/details/flagsthroughages00smit |title=Flags through the ages and across the world |date=1975 |publisher=New York  |others=Internet Archive |isbn=978-0-07-059093-9 |pages=33}}</ref>
Ships with vexilloids were represented on predynastic Egyptian pottery {{circa|3500 BC}}.<ref name="archive.org"/> In antiquity, [[field sign]]s that can be categorised as [[vexilloid]] or "flag-like" were used in warfare, originating in [[ancient Egypt]] or [[Assyria]].<ref name="Britannica">[https://www.britannica.com/topic/flag-heraldry Flag | heraldry]. ''Encyclopedia Britannica''. Retrieved February 15, 2019.</ref> Examples include the [[Sassanid]] battle standard [[Derafsh Kaviani]], and the standards of the [[Roman legion]]s such as the [[aquila (Roman)|eagle]] of [[Augustus Caesar]]'s [[Legio X Fretensis|Xth legion]] and the [[Draconarius|dragon standard]] of the [[Sarmatians]]; the latter was allowed to fly freely in the wind, carried by a horseman, but depictions suggest that it bore more similarity to an elongated [[dragon kite]] than to a simple flag.

While the origin of the flag remains a mystery, the oldest flag discovered is made of bronze: a [[Derafsh]] or 'flag-like' Shahdad, which was found in [[Shahdad]], Iran, and dates back to {{Circa|2400 BC}}. It features a seated man and a kneeling woman facing each other, with a star in between. This iconography was found in other Iranian Bronze Age pieces of art.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qsmtxmD5kWcC&q=shahdad+standard&pg=PA19|title=Susa and Elam. Archaeological, Philological, Historical and Geographical Perspectives.: Proceedings of the International Congress Held at Ghent University, December 14–17, 2009.|first1=Katrien De|last1=Graef|first2=Jan|last2=Tavernier|date=7 December 2012|publisher=BRILL|isbn=978-9004207400|via=Google Books}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Qbnyh2YH2KQC&q=shahdad+standard&pg=PA24|title=Art of the Bronze Age: Southeastern Iran, Western Central Asia, and the Indus Valley|first1=Holly|last1=Pittman|first2=Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York|last2=N.Y.)|date=12 December 1984|publisher=Metropolitan Museum of Art|isbn=9780870993657|via=Google Books}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6lDgYxV0DN8C&q=shahdad+standard&pg=PA227|title=Leaving No Stones Unturned: Essays on the Ancient Near East and Egypt in Honor of Donald P. Hansen|first1=Donald P.|last1=Hansen|first2=Erica|last2=Ehrenberg|date=12 December 2017|publisher=Eisenbrauns|isbn=9781575060552|via=Google Books}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=M2QMAQAAMAAJ&q=shahdad+standard|title=Shahdad: archaeological excavations of a bronze age center in Iran|first1=Ali|last1=Hakemi|first2=Istituto italiano per il Medio ed Estremo Oriente Centro Scavi e Ricerche|last2=Archeologiche|date=12 December 1997|publisher=IsMEO|isbn=9788120410176|via=Google Books}}</ref>

Flags made of cloth were almost certainly<ref name="Britannica"/> the invention of the ancient peoples of the [[Indian subcontinent]] or the [[Zhou dynasty]] of [[Ancient China]]. Chinese flags had iconography such as a red bird, a white tiger, or a blue dragon, and royal flags were to be treated with a level of respect similar to that given to the ruler. Indian flags were often triangular and decorated with attachments such as a [[yak]]'s tail and the state umbrella.{{Explain|reason=The term ''state umbrella'' needs explanation.|date=July 2023}} Silk flags either spread to the Near East from China or it was just the [[silk]] itself, later fashioned by people who had independently conceptualized a rectangular cloth attached to a pole.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Smith |first=Whitney |url=http://archive.org/details/flagsthroughages00smit |title=Flags through the ages and across the world |date=1975 |publisher=New York  |others=Internet Archive |isbn=978-0-07-059093-9 |pages=41}}</ref> Flags were probably transmitted to Europe via the [[Muslim world]], where plainly coloured flags were used due to [[Aniconism in Islam|Islamic proscriptions]]. They are often mentioned in the early history of Islam and may have been copied from India.<ref name="Britannica"/>

In Europe, during the [[High Middle Ages]], flags came to be used primarily as a [[heraldic flag|heraldic device]] in battle, allowing easier identification of a knight over only the heraldic icon painted on the shield. Already during the high medieval period, and increasingly during the [[Late Middle Ages]], [[city state]]s and [[medieval commune|communes]] such as those of the [[Old Swiss Confederacy]] also began to use flags as field signs. Regimental flags for individual units became commonplace during the [[Early Modern period]].

[[File:Sujagi (1871).jpg|upright|left|thumb|''[[Sujagi]]'' of [[Eo Jae-yeon]], captured in 1871]]

During the peak of the [[age of sail|sailing age]], beginning in the early 17th century, it was customary (and later a legal requirement) for ships to fly flags designating their nationality;<ref>Articles 90–94 of the [[UN Convention on the Law of the Sea]]</ref> these flags eventually evolved into the national flags and [[maritime flags]] of today. Flags also became the preferred means of [[communication]]s at sea, resulting in various systems of flag signals; ''see, [[International maritime signal flags]]''.

Use of flags beyond a military or naval context began with the rise of [[nationalism]] by the end of the 18th century, although some flags date back earlier. The flags of countries such as Austria, Denmark or Turkey have legendary origins while many others, including those of Poland and Switzerland, grew out of the heraldic emblems of the Middle Ages. The 17th century saw the birth of several [[national flag]]s through revolutionary struggle. One of these was the flag of the Netherlands, which appeared during the [[Eighty Years' War|80-year Dutch rebellion]] which began in 1568 against Spanish domination.<ref>Inglefield, p. 48.</ref>

Political change and social reform, allied with a growing sense of nationhood among ordinary people, led to the creation of new nations and flags all over the world in the 19th and 20th centuries.<ref>Inglefield, p. 50.</ref>
{{Clear}}

==National flags==
{{Main|National flag}}
[[File:Flags at half-staff outside Central Plaza.jpg|thumb|Flags at [[half-mast]] outside [[Central Plaza, Hong Kong]], after the [[2008 Sichuan earthquake]]. The [[Flag of Saudi Arabia]] is exempted.]]
[[File:Meeting Place Monument.JPG|thumb|Tribal flags at Meeting Place Monument/Flag Plaza at the Oklahoma State Capitol]]

One of the most popular uses of a flag is to symbolise a [[nation]] or [[country]]. Some [[national flag]]s have been particularly inspirational to other nations, countries, or subnational entities in the design of their own flags. Some prominent examples include:

[[File:Dannebrog isamsø.jpg|thumb|upright|right|The Danish national flag (Dannebrog) waving in [[Samsø]] ]]

* The [[flag of Denmark]], the ''Dannebrog'', is attested in 1478, and is the oldest national flag still in use.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/oldest-continuously-used-national-flag/ | title=Oldest continuously used national flag | work=Guinness World Records | access-date=2023-11-10}}</ref> It inspired the [[Nordic Cross Flag|cross design]] of the other [[Nordic countries]]: [[Flag of Norway|Norway]], [[Flag of Sweden|Sweden]], [[Flag of Iceland|Iceland]], [[Flag of Finland|Finland]], and regional Scandinavian flags for the [[Flag of the Faroe Islands|Faroe Islands]], [[Flag of Åland|Åland]], [[Flag of Skåneland|Scania]] and [[Flag of Bornholm|Bornholm]], as well as flags for the non-Scandinavian [[Flag of Shetland|Shetland]] and [[Flag of Orkney|Orkney]].<ref>[http://denmark.dk/en/quick-facts/national-flag/ National Flag -The official website of Denmark] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203070136/http://denmark.dk/en/quick-facts/national-flag/ |date=2018-02-03 }}. Earlier use of the white cross on red is attested by an armorial (Netherlands) of 1370-1386. In later monastic tradition, the Dannebrog made its first, miraculous appearance at the Battle of Lindanise on 15 June 1219.</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Khag6tbsIn4C&pg=PA88|author=Jeroen Temperman|title=State Religion Relationships and Human Rights Law: Towards a Right to Religiously Neutral Governance|year=2010|page=88|publisher=[[Martinus Nijhoff Publishers]]|isbn=978-9004181489|quote=Many predominantly Christian states show a cross, symbolising Christianity, on their national flag. The so-called Scandinavian crosses or Nordic crosses on the flags of the Nordic countries–Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden–also represent Christianity.|access-date=31 December 2007|archive-date=23 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423140657/https://books.google.com/books?id=Khag6tbsIn4C&pg=PA88|url-status=live}}</ref>
* The [[flag of the Netherlands]] is the oldest [[tricolour (flag)|tricolour]]. Its three colours of red, white and blue go back to [[Charlemagne]]'s time, the ninth century. The coastal region of what today is the Netherlands was then known for its cloth in these colours. Maps from the early 16th century already put flags in these colours next to this region, like Texeira's map of 1520. A century before that, during the 15th century, the three colours were mentioned as the coastal signals for this area, with the three bands straight or diagonal, single or doubled. As [[state flag]] it first appeared around 1572 as the [[Prince's Flag]] in orange–white–blue. Soon the more famous red–white–blue began appearing, becoming the prevalent version from around 1630. Orange made a comeback during the civil war of the late 18th century, signifying the orangist or pro-[[stadtholder]] party. During World War II the pro-Nazi [[National Socialist Movement in the Netherlands|NSB]] used it. Any symbolism has been added later to the three colours, although the orange comes from the [[House of Orange-Nassau]]. This use of orange comes from Nassau, which today uses orange-blue, not from Orange, which today uses red-blue. However, the usual way to show the link with the House of Orange-Nassau is the orange pennant above the red-white-blue. It is said that the Dutch Tricolour has inspired<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Whitney |title=flag of France {{!}} History & Meaning |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/flag-of-France |access-date=2019-02-24 |website=Encyclopedia Britannica |language=en}}</ref>{{Citation needed |date=October 2007}} many flags but most notably those of Russia, [[Flags of New York City|New York City]], and [[Flag of South Africa|South Africa]] (the [[Flag of South Africa (1928–1994)|1928–94 flag]] as well the current flag). As the probable inspiration for the [[Russian flag]], it is the source too for the [[pan-Slavic colours]] red, white and blue, adopted by many [[Slavic peoples|Slavic]] states and peoples as their symbols; examples are [[Flag of Slovakia|Slovakia]], [[Flag of Serbia|Serbia]], and [[Flag of Slovenia|Slovenia]].<ref name="Shelley">{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5qlXatHRJtMC&q=Pan-Slavic+flag&pg=PR16 | title=Nation Shapes: The Story behind the World's Borders | publisher=ABC-CLIO | author=Shelley, Fred M. | year=2013 | pages=xvi | isbn=9781610691062}}</ref>
* The national [[flag of France]] was designed in 1794. As a forerunner of revolution, France's tricolour flag style has been adopted by other nations. Examples: [[Flag of Italy|Italy]], [[Flag of Belgium|Belgium]], [[Flag of Ireland|Ireland]], [[Flag of Romania|Romania]] and [[Flag of Mexico|Mexico]].{{citation needed|date=December 2016}}
* The [[Union Flag]] (Union Jack) of the United Kingdom is the most commonly used. British colonies typically flew a flag based on one of the ensigns based on this flag, and many former colonies have retained the design to acknowledge their cultural history. Examples: [[Flag of Australia|Australia]], [[Flag of Fiji|Fiji]], [[Flag of New Zealand|New Zealand]], [[Flag of Tuvalu|Tuvalu]], and also the Canadian provinces of [[Flag of Manitoba|Manitoba]], [[Flag of Ontario|Ontario]] and [[Flag of British Columbia|British Columbia]], and the American state of [[Flag of Hawaii|Hawaii]]; ''see [[commons:Flags based on British ensigns]]''.
* The [[flag of the United States]] is nicknamed ''The Stars and Stripes'' or ''Old Glory''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Whitney |title=Flag of the United States of America |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/flag-of-the-United-States-of-America |access-date=2019-05-24 |website=Encyclopedia Britannica |language=en}}</ref> Some nations imitated this flag to symbolise their similarity to the United States or the [[American Revolution]]. Examples: [[Flag of Liberia|Liberia]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Whitney |title=Flag of Liberia |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/flag-of-Liberia |access-date=2019-05-24 |website=Encyclopedia Britannica |language=en}}</ref> [[Flag of Chile|Chile]], [[Flag of the Republic of China|Taiwan (ROC)]], and the French region of [[Flag of Brittany|Brittany]].
[[File:Flag of Ethiopia (1975–1987).svg|thumb|The [[Flag of Ethiopia]]'s colours inspired the colours of many African national flags.]]
* [[Ethiopia]] was seen as a model by emerging African states of the 1950s and 1960s, as it was one of the oldest independent states in Africa. Accordingly, its [[Flag of Ethiopia|flag]] became the source of the [[Pan-African colours]], or 'Rasta colours'. Examples: [[Flag of Benin|Benin]], [[Flag of Togo|Togo]], [[Flag of Senegal|Senegal]], [[Flag of Ghana|Ghana]], [[Flag of Mali|Mali]], [[Flag of Guinea|Guinea]].
* The [[flag of Turkey]], which is very similar to the last flag of the old [[Ottoman Empire]], has been an inspiration for the flag designs of many other Muslim nations. During the time of the Ottomans the [[crescent]] began to be associated with [[Islam]] and this is reflected on the flags of [[Flag of Algeria|Algeria]], [[Flag of Azerbaijan|Azerbaijan]], [[Flag of the Comoros|Comoros]], [[Flag of Libya|Libya]], [[Flag of Mauritania|Mauritania]], [[Flag of Pakistan|Pakistan]], [[Flag of Tunisia|Tunisia]] and [[Flag of Maldives|Maldives]].<ref>Cyril Glassé , ''The New Encyclopedia of Islam'' (revised ed. 2001), s.v. "Moon" (p. 314).</ref>
* The [[Pan-Arab colours]], green, white, red and black, are derived from the flag of the [[Arab Revolt|Great Arab Revolt]] as seen on the flags of [[Flag of Jordan|Jordan]], [[Flag of Libya|Libya]], [[Flag of Kuwait|Kuwait]], [[Flag of Sudan|Sudan]], [[Flag of Syria|Syria]], the [[Flag of the United Arab Emirates|United Arab Emirates]], [[Flag of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic|Western Sahara]], [[Flag of Egypt|Egypt]], [[Flag of Iraq|Iraq]], [[Flag of Yemen|Yemen]] and [[Palestinian flag|Palestine]].
* The [[Flag of the Soviet Union|Soviet flag]], with its golden symbols of the [[hammer and sickle]] on a red field, was an inspiration to flags of other [[communism|communist]] states, such as [[Flag of East Germany|East Germany]], the [[Flag of the People's Republic of China|People's Republic of China]], [[Flag of Vietnam|Vietnam]], [[Flag of Angola|Angola]], [[Flag of Afghanistan|Afghanistan (1978–1980)]] and [[Flag of Mozambique|Mozambique]].
* The [[flag of Venezuela]], created by [[Francisco de Miranda]] to represent the independence movement in Venezuela that later gave birth to the [[Republic of Gran Colombia|Gran Colombia]], inspired the flags of [[Flag of Colombia|Colombia]], [[Flag of Ecuador|Ecuador]], and the [[Flag of the Federal Territory (Malaysia)|Federal Territories in Malaysia]], all sharing three bands of yellow, blue and red with the flag of Venezuela.
* The [[flag of Argentina]], created by [[Manuel Belgrano]] during the war of independence, was the inspiration for the [[United Provinces of Central America]]'s flag, which in turn was the origin for the flags of [[Flag of Guatemala|Guatemala]], [[Flag of Honduras|Honduras]], [[Flag of El Salvador|El Salvador]], and [[Flag of Nicaragua|Nicaragua]].

National flag designs are often used to signify nationality in other forms, such as [[flag patch]]es.

===Civil flags===
{{Main|Civil flag}}
{{multiple image
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 | image1 = Flag of Peru.svg
 | alt1 = Civil flag of Peru
 | caption1 = 
 | image2 = Flag of Peru (state).svg
 | alt2 = State flag of Peru
 | caption2 = 
 | footer = The civil and state flags of [[Peru]] share the same red and white bands, but only the state flag (right) is [[Defacement (flag)|defaced]] with the national ensign.
}}

A ''civil'' flag is a version of the national flag that is flown by civilians on non-government installations or craft. The use of civil flags was more common in the past, in order to denote buildings or ships that were not crewed by the military. In some countries the civil flag is the same as the [[war flag]] or [[state flag]], but without the coat of arms, such as in the case of [[Flag of Spain|Spain]], and in others it is an alteration of the war flag.

===War flags===
{{Main|War flag|Colours, standards and guidons}}
[[File:Ensign of the Royal Air Force.svg|thumb|Standard for the [[UK]]'s [[Royal Air Force]], the [[Royal Air Force Ensign|Ensign of the RAF]] displays the RAF [[roundel]] that is also displayed on the fuselage and wings of British warplanes.]]

Several countries, including the [[Royal Air Force]], [[British Army]] and the [[Royal Navy]] ([[White Ensign]]) of the [[United Kingdom]] and the [[Soviet Union]] have had [[Union Jack|unique flags]] flown by their [[armed forces]] separately, rather than the [[national flag]].

Other countries' armed forces (such as those of the United States or Switzerland) use their standard [[Flag of the United States|national flag]]; in addition, the U.S. has alongside flags and seals designed from long tradition for each of its six uniformed military services/military sub-departments in the [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]] and the [[United States Department of Homeland Security|Department of Homeland Security]]. The Philippines' armed forces may use their [[Flag of the Philippines|standard national flag]], but during times of war the flag is turned upside down. [[Flag of Bulgaria|Bulgaria's flag]] is also turned upside down during times of war. These are also considered war flags, though the terminology only applies to the flag's military usage.

Large versions of the war flag flown on the [[warship]]s of countries' [[navy|navies]] are known as [[battle ensign]]s. In addition, besides flying the national standard or a military services' emblem flag at a military fort, base, station or post and at sea at the stern (rear) or main top mast of a warship, a [[Jack (flag)|Naval Jack flag]] and other [[maritime flag]]s, [[Pennant (commissioning)|pennants]] and emblems are flown at the bow (front). In times of war waving a white flag is a banner of truce, talks/negotiations or surrender.

Four distinctive African flags currently in the collection of the [[National Maritime Museum]] in [[United Kingdom|Britain]] were flown in action by [[Itsekiri]] ships under the control of [[Nana Olomu]] during the conflict in the late 19th century. One is the flag generally known as the [[Flag of the Benin Empire|Benin Empire flag]] and one is referred to as Nana Olomu's flag.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rog.nmm.ac.uk/upload/amaxus_pdf/amaxus_conWebDoc_229.pdf|title=Welcome to the Royal Museums Greenwich Blogs - Royal Museums Greenwich Blogs|access-date=2010-05-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928144651/http://www.rog.nmm.ac.uk/upload/amaxus_pdf/amaxus_conWebDoc_229.pdf|archive-date=2011-09-28|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===International flags===
[[File:Flag of the United Nations.svg|thumb|The [[Flag of the United Nations]], sky blue field with north polar view looking down on a world map in white with two olive branches wreaths curved around. First version presented April–June 1945 to the [[United Nations|United Nations Organization]] (UNO) at the [[United Nations Conference on International Organization|San Francisco Conference]], second version adopted by the U.N., December 1946]]

Among international flags are the [[Flag of the United Nations|United Nations]], [[Flag of Europe|Europe]], [[Olympic symbols#Flag|Olympic]], [[flag of NATO|NATO]] and [[Paralympic symbols#Flag|Paralympic flags]].

==Maritime flags==
{{Main|Maritime flag}}
[[File:Arndt Flag Tallinn 31 July 2014.JPG|thumb|left|[[Ensign (flag)|Ensign]]s are flown on boats to indicate the country of registration of the boat.]]

Flags are particularly important at sea, where they can mean the difference between life and death, and consequently where the rules and regulations for the flying of flags are strictly enforced. A national flag flown at sea is known as an [[Ensign (flag)|ensign]]. A courteous, peaceable [[merchant navy|merchant ship]] or [[yacht]] customarily flies its ensign (in the usual ensign position), together with the flag of whatever nation it is currently visiting at the mast (known as a [[courtesy flag]]). To fly one's ensign alone in foreign waters, a foreign port or in the face of a foreign warship traditionally indicates a willingness to fight, with [[cannon]], for the right to do so. {{As of|2009}}, this custom is still taken seriously by many naval and port authorities and is readily enforced in many parts of the world by boarding, confiscation and other civil penalties. In some countries [[yacht ensign]]s are different from merchant ensigns in order to signal that the yacht is not carrying [[cargo]] that requires a [[customs]] declaration. Carrying commercial cargo on a boat with a yacht ensign is deemed to be [[smuggling]] in many jurisdictions. Traditionally, a vessel flying under the courtesy flag of a specific nation, regardless of the vessel's country of registry, is considered to be operating under the law of her 'host' nation.

[[File:ICS Kilo.svg|thumb|The international maritime signal flag ''Kilo'' (letter ''K'')]]

There is a system of [[international maritime signal flags]] for numerals and letters of the alphabet. Each flag or pennant has a specific meaning when flown individually. As well, [[Flag semaphore|semaphore flags]] can be used to communicate on an ''ad hoc'' basis from ship to ship over short distances.

Another category of maritime flag flown by some [[United States Government|United States government]] ships is the [[distinctive mark]]. Although the [[United States Coast Guard]] has its own service ensign, all other U.S. government ships fly the national ensign as their service ensign, following [[United States Navy]] practice. To distinguish themselves from ships of the Navy, such ships historically have flown their parent organisation's flag from a forward mast as a distinctive mark. Today, for example, commissioned ships of the [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]] (NOAA) fly the [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration#Flag|NOAA flag]] as a distinctive mark.

==Shapes and designs==
[[File:Flag of Nepal.svg|thumb|The [[flag of Nepal]], a non-rectangular flag that is a [[Pennon|double-pennon]]]]
[[File:Flag of Ohio.svg|thumb|The Ohio flag, a [[pennon]]]]
[[File:Flag of Mauritania.svg|thumb|The [[flag of Mauritania]], a yellow crescent and star on a green field between two red stripes.]]

Flags are usually rectangular in shape (often in the ratio 2:3, 1:2, or 3:5), but may be of any shape or size that is practical for flying, including square, triangular, or swallow tailed. A more unusual flag shape is that of the [[flag of Nepal]], which is in the shape of two stacked triangles. Other unusually shaped flags include the civil flags of [[Flag of Ohio|Ohio]] (a [[Swallowtail (flag)|swallowtail]]); [[Flag of Tampa, Florida|Tampa, Florida]]; and [[Pike County, Ohio]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Pike|work=County Flags|publisher=[[Ohio Statehouse]] Museum|location=Columbus, Ohio|access-date=July 20, 2019|url=http://www.ohiostatehouse.org/museum/county-flags/pike}}</ref>

Many flags are dyed through and through to be inexpensive to manufacture, such that the reverse side is the [[mirror image]] of the [[obverse]] (front) side, generally the side displayed when, from the observer's point of view, the flag flies from pole-side left to right. This presents two possibilities:

# If the design is [[symmetric]]al in an axis parallel to the flag pole, obverse and reverse will be identical despite the mirror-reversal, such as the [[flag of India|Indian Flag]] or [[Flag of Canada|Canadian Flag]]
# If not, the obverse and reverse will present two variants of the same design, one with the [[Flag terminology#Description of standard flag parts and terms|hoist]] on the left (usually considered the obverse side), the other with the hoist on the right (usually considered the reverse side of the flag). This is very common and usually not disturbing if there is no text in the design.

Some complex flag designs are not intended to be shown on both sides, requiring separate obverse and reverse sides if made correctly. In these cases there is a design element (usually text) which is not symmetric and should be read in the same direction, regardless of whether the hoist is to the viewer's left or right. These cases can be divided into two types:

# The same (asymmetric) design may be duplicated on both sides. Such flags can be manufactured by creating two identical through and through flags and then sewing them back to back, though this can affect the resulting combination's responsiveness to the wind. Depictions of such flags may be marked with the symbol [[File:IFIS Equal.svg]], indicating the reverse is congruent to (rather than a mirror image of) the obverse.
# Rarely, the reverse design may differ, in whole or in part, from that of the obverse. Examples of [[flags whose reverse differs from the obverse]] include the [[flag of Paraguay]], the [[flag of Oregon]], and the historical [[flag of the Soviet Union]]. Depictions of such flags may be marked with the symbol [[File:IFIS Two-sided.svg]].

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[[File:Flag of Kiribati.svg|thumb|The [[flag of Kiribati]], a [[banner of arms]] ]]

Common designs on flags include crosses, stripes, and divisions of the surface, or ''field'', into bands or quarters—patterns and principles mainly derived from [[heraldry]]. A heraldic coat of arms may also be flown as a [[Banner#Heraldic banners|banner of arms]], as is done on both the state [[flag of Maryland]] and the [[flag of Kiribati]].

The ''de jure'' [[flag of Libya]] under [[Muammar Gaddafi]], which consisted of a rectangular field of green, was for a long period the only national flag using a single colour and no design or insignia. However, other historical states have also used flags without designs or insignia, such as the short-lived [[Hungarian Soviet Republic|Soviet Republic of Hungary]] and the more recent [[Muscat and Oman|Sultanate of Muscat and Oman]], whose flags were both a plain field of red.

Colours are normally described with common names, such as "red", but may be further specified using [[colorimetry|colourimetry]].

The largest flag flown from a flagpole worldwide, according to Guinness World Records, is the [[flag of the United Arab Emirates]] flown in [[Sharjah]]. This flag was {{convert|2448.56|m2|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web | title=Largest flag flown |date=28 March 2022 |url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/3000/largest-flag-flown}}</ref> The largest flag ever made was the [[flag of Qatar]]; the flag, which measures at {{convert|101,978|m2|abbr=on}}, was completed in December 2013 in [[Doha]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-25414490|publisher=BBC|title=Qatar breaks record for world's largest flag|date=December 17, 2013|access-date=December 17, 2013}}</ref>

===Parts of a flag===
{{Main|Glossary of vexillology}}

The general parts of a flag are: canton (the upper inner section of the flag), field or ground (the entire flag except the canton), the hoist (the edge used to attach the flag to the hoist), and the fly (the furthest edge from the hoist end).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.netstate.com/states/symb/flags/flag_terminology.htm|website=Flag Terminology|title=The Parts of a Flag|publisher=NSTATE|access-date=2019-08-02}}</ref>

===Vertical flags===
Vertical flags are sometimes used in lieu of the standard horizontal flag in central and eastern Europe, particularly in the German-speaking countries. This practice came about because the relatively brisk wind needed to display horizontal flags is not common in these countries.<ref name=DGF>{{cite web|publisher=German Vexillological Society (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Flaggenkunde e. V., DGF)|url=http://www.flaggenkunde.de/deutscheflaggen/d-typ.htm|title=Flaggentypen|access-date=20 February 2012}}</ref>

[[File:Flag Types.svg|frameless|center|upright=1.25]]

The standard '''horizontal flag''' (no. 1 in the preceding illustration) is nonetheless the form most often used even in these countries.<ref>[[Federal Ministry of the Interior (Germany)|German Federal Ministry of the Interior]]: ''[http://www.protokoll-inland.de/PI/DE/Beflaggung/Allgemeines/Hissflagge/hissflagge_node.html Hissflagge] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120908125818/http://www.protokoll-inland.de/PI/DE/Beflaggung/Allgemeines/Hissflagge/hissflagge_node.html |date=2012-09-08 }}'', accessed 20 February 2012</ref>

[[File:NTB-Buchs-Campus with national and international flags.jpg|thumb|Vertical flags seen in Switzerland]]

The '''vertical flag''' (German: ''Hochformatflagge'' or ''Knatterflagge''; no. 2) is a vertical form of the standard flag. The flag's design may remain unchanged (No. 2a) or it may change, e.g. by changing horizontal stripes to vertical ones (no. 2b). If the flag carries an emblem, it may remain centred or may be shifted slightly upwards.<ref name=DGF /><ref>[[Federal Ministry of the Interior (Germany)|German Federal Ministry of the Interior]]: ''[http://www.protokoll-inland.de/PI/DE/Beflaggung/Allgemeines/Hochformatflagge/hochformatflagge_node.html Hochformatflagge] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120803075053/http://www.protokoll-inland.de/PI/DE/Beflaggung/Allgemeines/Hochformatflagge/hochformatflagge_node.html |date=2012-08-03 }}'', accessed 20 February 2012</ref>

The '''vertical flag for hoisting from a beam''' (German: ''Auslegerflagge'' or ''Galgenflagge''; no. 3) is additionally attached to a horizontal beam, ensuring that it is fully displayed even if there is no wind.<ref name=DGF /><ref>[[Federal Ministry of the Interior (Germany)|German Federal Ministry of the Interior]]: ''[http://www.protokoll-inland.de/PI/DE/Beflaggung/Allgemeines/Auslegerflagge/auslegerflagge_node.html Auslegerflagge] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120803085923/http://www.protokoll-inland.de/PI/DE/Beflaggung/Allgemeines/Auslegerflagge/auslegerflagge_node.html |date=2012-08-03 }}'', accessed 20 February 2012</ref>

The '''vertical flag for hoisting from a horizontal pole''' (German: ''Hängeflagge''; no. 4) is hoisted from a horizontal pole, normally attached to a building. The topmost stripe on the horizontal version of the flag faces away from the building.<ref name=DGF /><ref>[[Federal Ministry of the Interior (Germany)|German Federal Ministry of the Interior]]:  ''[http://www.protokoll-inland.de/PI/DE/Beflaggung/Allgemeines/Haengeflagge/haengeflagge_node.html Hängeflagge] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120803082212/http://www.protokoll-inland.de/PI/DE/Beflaggung/Allgemeines/Haengeflagge/haengeflagge_node.html |date=2012-08-03 }}'', accessed 20 February 2012</ref>

The '''vertical flag for hoisting from a crossbar''' or [[banner]] (German: ''Bannerflagge''; no. 5) is firmly attached to a horizontal crossbar from which it is hoisted, either by a vertical pole (no. 5a) or a horizontal one (no. 5b). The topmost stripe on the horizontal version of the flag normally faces to the left.<ref name=DGF /><ref>[[Federal Ministry of the Interior (Germany)|German Federal Ministry of the Interior]]: ''[http://www.protokoll-inland.de/PI/DE/Beflaggung/Allgemeines/Haengeflagge/haengeflagge_node.html Hängeflagge] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120803082212/http://www.protokoll-inland.de/PI/DE/Beflaggung/Allgemeines/Haengeflagge/haengeflagge_node.html |date=2012-08-03 }}'', accessed 20 February 2012</ref>

==Religious flags==
{{See also|Religion in national symbols}}

Flags can play many different roles in religion. In [[Buddhism]], [[prayer flags]] are used, usually in sets of five differently coloured flags. Several flags and banners including the [[Black Standard]] are [[Islamic flags|associated with Islam]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Studies in Muslim Apocalyptic|url=https://archive.org/details/studiesmuslimapo00cook|url-access=limited|author=David Cook |year=2002|publisher=Darwin Press|page=[https://archive.org/details/studiesmuslimapo00cook/page/n105 197]|isbn=9780878501427}} from Majlisi,</ref> Many [[religion in national flags|national flags]] and other flags include religious symbols such as the [[List of flags with Christian symbolism|cross]], the [[Star and crescent|crescent]], or a reference to a patron saint.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2014/11/25/64-countries-have-religious-symbols-on-their-national-flags/ | title=64 countries have religious symbols on their national flags| date=25 November 2014}}</ref> Flags are also adopted by religious groups and flags such as the [[Jain flag]], [[Nishan Sahib]] ([[Sikhism]]),<ref>{{cite book |last1=Mayled |first1=Jon |title=Sikhism |date=2002 |publisher=Heinemann |isbn=978-0-435-33627-1 |page=24 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H9jKt0dLz1IC |access-date=29 July 2024 |language=en}}</ref> the [[Bhagwa Dhwaj|Saffron flag]] ([[Hindu]])<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 October 2023 |title=The Bhagwa Dhwaj (Saffron Flag) |url=https://hssuk.org/the-bhagwa-dhwaj-saffron-flag/ |access-date=28 October 2023 |website=Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (UK) |archive-date=3 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221203065338/https://hssuk.org/the-bhagwa-dhwaj-saffron-flag/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and the [[Christian flag]] are used to represent a whole religion.<ref>{{cite journal|year=1942|title=Resolution|journal=Federal Council Bulletin|publisher=Religious Publicity Service of the Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America|volume=25-27}}</ref>

<gallery>
File:Pro2.2.jpg|Poland (Gorzów Wlkp.). Religious flags
File:Christian flag.svg|[[Christian Flag|Christian flag]] adopted by several [[Protestantism|Protestant]] denominations
File:In-jain.svg|[[Jain flag]] (on occasion, the bottom black bar is replaced with a dark blue one)
File:Flag of Buddhism.svg|[[Buddhist flag]]
File:Nishan Sahib.svg|[[Nishan Sahib]] (the [[Sikhism|Sikh]] flag)
</gallery>

{{anchor|sport}}

==In sports==
Because of their ease of signalling and identification, flags are often used in [[sport]]s.

* In [[association football]], [[assistant referee (association football)|linesmen]] carry small flags along the touch lines. They use the flags to indicate to the [[Referee (Football)|referee]] potential infringements of the laws, or who is entitled to possession of the ball that has gone out of the field of play, or, most famously, raising the flag to indicate an [[offside (association football)|offside]] offence. Officials called ''touch judges'' use flags for similar purposes in both codes of [[Rugby football|rugby]].
* In [[American football|American]] and [[Canadian football]], [[referee]]s use [[penalty flag]]s to indicate that a foul has been committed in game play. The phrase used for such an indication is ''flag on the play''. The flag itself is a small, weighted handkerchief, tossed on the field at the approximate point of the infraction; the intent is usually to sort out the details after the current play from scrimmage has concluded. In American football, the flag is yellow; in Canadian football the flag is orange, but at the professional level the flag is yellow. In both the [[Canadian Football League]] and [[National Football League]], coaches also use red challenge flags to indicate that they wish to contest a ruling on the field.
* In [[yacht racing]], flags are used to communicate information from the race committee boat to the racers. Different flags hoisted from the committee boat may communicate a false start, changes in the course, a cancelled race, or other important information. Racing boats themselves may also use flags to symbolise a protest or distress. The flags are often part of the nautical alphabetic system of [[International maritime signal flags]], in which 26 different flags designate the 26 letters of the Latin alphabet.
[[File:Auto Racing Chequered.svg|thumb|Flag flown at a [[auto racing|car race]] ]]
* In [[auto racing|auto]] and [[Motorcycle sport|motorcycle racing]], [[racing flags]] are used to communicate with drivers. Most famously, a checkered flag of black and white squares indicates the end of the race, and victory for the leader. A yellow flag is used to indicate caution requiring slow speed and a red flag requires racers to stop immediately. A black flag is used to indicate penalties.

:{{Main|Racing flags}}
* In addition, fans of almost all sports wave flags in the stands to indicate their support for the participants. Many sports teams have their own flags, and, in individual sports, fans will indicate their support for a player by waving the flag of his or her home country.
* [[Capture the flag]] is a popular children's sport.
* In [[Gaelic football]] and [[Hurling]] a green flag is used to indicate a goal while a white flag is used to indicate a point
* In [[Australian rules football]], the [[Umpire (Australian rules football)|goal umpire]] will wave two flags to indicate a goal (worth six points) and a single flag to indicate a behind (worth one point).
* For safety, [[diver down flag|dive flags]] indicate the locations of underwater [[SCUBA diving|scuba divers]] or that diving operations are being conducted in the vicinity.
* In water sports such as wakeboarding and Water-Skiing, an orange flag is held in between runs to indicate someone is in the water.
* In [[golf]], the hole is almost always marked with a flag. The flagpole is designed to fit centered within the base of the hole and is removable. Many courses will use colour-coded flags to determine a hole location at the front, middle or rear of the green. However, colour-coded flags are not used in the professional tours. (A rare example of a golf course that does not use flags to mark the hole is the East Course of [[Merion Golf Club]], which instead uses flagpoles topped by [[Merion Golf Club#Wicker baskets|wicker baskets]].)
* Flag poles with flags of all shapes and sizes are used by marching bands, drum corps, and winter guard teams use flags as a method of visual enhancement in performances.

==Diplomatic and political flags==
{{Main|Diplomatic flag}}

Some countries use diplomatic flags, such as the United Kingdom <!--([[List of British flags#Diplomatic flags]])-->(see [[:File:British Ambassador Ensign.svg|image of the Embassy flag]]) and the Kingdom of [[Thailand]] <!--([[List of Thai flags#Diplomatic flags]])-->(see [[:File:Embassador Flag of Thailand.svg|image of the Embassy flag]]).

The [[Socialism|socialist]] movement uses [[Red flag (politics)|red flag]]s to represent their cause. The [[Anarchism|anarchist]] movement has a variety of different flags, but the primary flag associated with them is the [[Anarchist symbolism#Black flag|black flag]]. In the [[Spanish Civil War]], the anarchists used the red-and-black bisected flag. In the 20th century, the [[Rainbow flag (gay movement)|rainbow flag]] was adopted as a symbol of the [[LGBT social movements]]. Its derivatives include the [[Bisexual pride flag|Bisexual pride]] and [[Transgender pride flag]]s.

Some of these political flags have become national flags, such as the red flag of the [[Soviet Union]] and national socialist banners for [[Nazi Germany]]. The present [[Flag of Portugal]] is based on what had been the political flag of the [[Portuguese Republican Party]] previous to the [[5 October 1910 revolution]] which brought this party to power.

==Personal flags==
[[File:Personal flag of Queen Elizabeth II.svg|thumb|Personal flag of Queen [[Elizabeth II]] ]]

Throughout history, [[monarchy|monarchs]] have often had personal flags (including [[royal standard]]s), representing the royal person, including in [[personal union]] of national monarchies.

==Vehicle flags==
Flags are often representative of an individual's affinity or allegiance to a country, team or business and can be presented in various ways. A popular trend that has surfaced revolves around the idea of the 'mobile' flag in which an individual displays their particular flag of choice on their vehicle. These items are commonly referred to as car flags and are usually manufactured from high strength polyester material and are attached to a vehicle via a [[polypropylene]] pole and clip window attachment.

==Swimming flags==
[[File:Flags - swim between the.png|thumb|Open swimming area]]
[[File:Flags crossed - do not swim.png|thumb|Closed swimming area]]
[[File:Red flag at beach.jpg|thumb|upright|Red flag at a beach in Ireland, indicating that the water is not safe for swimming]]

In Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Philippines, Ireland and the United Kingdom, a pair of red-yellow flags is used to mark the limits of the bathing area on a beach, usually guarded by [[surf lifesaving|surf lifesavers]]. If the beach is closed, the poles of the flags are crossed. The flags are coloured with a red triangle and a yellow triangle making a rectangular flag, or a red rectangle over a yellow rectangle. On many Australian beaches there is a slight variation with beach condition signalling. A red flag signifies a closed beach (in the UK also other dangers), yellow signifies strong current or difficult swimming conditions, and green represents a beach safe for general swimming. In Ireland, a red and yellow flag indicates that it is safe to swim; a red flag that it is unsafe; and no flag indicates that there are no lifeguards on duty. Blue flags may also be used away from the yellow-red lifesaver area to designate a zone for surfboarding and other small, non-motorised watercraft.

Reasons for closing the beach include:

* [[dangerous rip]]
* [[hurricane]] warning
* no [[lifeguard]]s in attendance
* [[pollution|overpolluted]] water
* [[shark]]s
* [[tsunami]]
* [[wave]]s too strong

A surf flag exists, divided into four quadrants. The top left and bottom right quadrants are black, and the remaining area is white.

[[International maritime signal flags|Signal flag]] "India" (a black circle on a yellow square) is frequently used to denote a "blackball" zone where surfboards cannot be used but other water activities are permitted.

The United States uses beach warning flags created by the [[International Life Saving Federation]] and endorsed and conditionally approved by the [[United States Lifesaving Association]].<ref>{{cite web|title=USLA Approved Beach Warning Flags|url=https://www.usla.org/page/beach-warning-flags|website=United States Lifesaving Association|access-date=August 31, 2024}}</ref>

==Railway flags==
Railways use a number of coloured flags. When used as wayside signals they usually use the following meanings (exact meanings are set by the individual railroad company):

* red = stop
* yellow = proceed with caution
* green or white = proceed.
* a flag of any colour waved vigorously means stop
* a blue flag on the side of a locomotive means that it should not be moved because someone is working on it (or on the train attached to it). A blue flag on a track means that nothing on that track should be moved. The flag can only be removed by the person or group that placed it. In the railway dominated steel industry this principle of "blue flag and tag" was extended to all operations at Bethlehem Steel, [[Lackawanna, New York]]. If a man went inside a large machine or worked on an electrical circuit for example, his blue flag and tag was sacrosanct.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oshrc.gov/decisions/html_1990/79-2597.html|title=Docket No. 79-2597|access-date=2010-06-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527155228/http://www.oshrc.gov/decisions/html_1990/79-2597.html|archive-date=2010-05-27|url-status=dead}}</ref> The "[[Lockout-tagout|Lock Out/Tag Out]]" practice is similar and now used in other industries to comply with safety regulations.

At night, the flags are replaced with lanterns showing the same colours.

Flags displayed on the front of a moving locomotive are an acceptable replacement for classification lights and usually have the following meanings (exact meanings are set by the individual railroad company):

* white = extra (not on the timetable)
* green = another section following
* red = last section

Additionally, a railroad brakeman will typically carry a red flag to make his or her hand signals more visible to the engineer. [[Railway signal]]s are a development of railway flags.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mysite.du.edu/~etuttle/rail/sigs.htm |title=Early Railway Signals |access-date=7 October 2007 |last=Calvert |first=J.B. |date=25 July 2004 |publisher=University of Denver }}</ref>

==Flagpoles==
{{main|Flagpole}}
[[File:SienaFlagpole1.jpg|thumbnail|One of the two 60-foot-tall flagpoles in the [[Siena Cathedral]]. During the [[battle of Montaperti]] (1260), Bocca degli Abati, a Sienese spy, brought Florence's flag down, causing panic among the Florentine soldiers and ultimately their defeat.]]

A flagpole, flagmast, flagstaff, or staff can be a simple support made of wood or metal. If it is taller than can be easily reached to raise the flag, a cord is used, looping around a pulley at the top of the pole with the ends tied at the bottom. The flag is fixed to one lower end of the cord, and is then raised by pulling on the other end. The cord is then tightened and tied to the pole at the bottom. The pole is usually topped by a flat plate or ball called a "[[Truck (rigging)|truck]]" (originally meant to keep a wooden pole from splitting) or a [[finial]] in a more complex shape. Very high flagpoles may require more complex support structures than a simple pole, such as a [[guyed mast]].

[[Dwajasthambam]] are flagpoles commonly found at the entrances of [[South India]]n [[Hindu temple]]s.<ref>[[Alf Hiltebeitel|Hiltebeitel, Alf]] (1991). ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=diPh4qYtjPUC The Cult of Draupadi, Volume 2: On Hindu Ritual and the Goddess]''. University of Chicago Press. {{ISBN|0226340473}}. pp. 91–92.</ref>

===Record heights===
[[File:Flagpole, Kew Gardens - geograph.org.uk - 227188.jpg|thumb|upright|left|The former flagpole in Kew Gardens, taken shortly before its removal in 2007]]

Since 26 December 2021, the [[List of flagpoles by height|tallest free-standing flagpole]] in the world is the Cairo Flagpole, located in the [[New Administrative Capital]] under construction in [[Egypt]] at a height of {{convert|201.952|m|ft|abbr=on}}, exceeding the former record holders, the [[Jeddah Flagpole]] in [[Saudi Arabia]] (height: {{convert|171|m|ft|abbr=on|disp=semicolon}}), the [[Dushanbe Flagpole]] in [[Tajikistan]]<ref name="Jeddah Flagpole">{{cite web|url=http://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/news/634401 |title= Jeddah Flagpole inaugurated|publisher=arabnews.com |access-date=2014-09-23}}</ref><ref>Former record: {{cite web |title=Wer baut den hoechsten Fahnenmast |date=September 9, 2008 |url=http://news.tj/ru/news/v-dushanbe-na-samom-vysokom-flagshtoke-v-mire-podnyat-flag-foto |publisher=Asia Plus |access-date=May 24, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404114645/https://news.tj/ru/news/v-dushanbe-na-samom-vysokom-flagshtoke-v-mire-podnyat-flag-foto |archive-date=April 4, 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref> (height: {{convert|165|m|ft|abbr=on|disp=semicolon}}) and the [[National Flag Square|National Flagpole]] in [[Azerbaijan]] (height: {{convert|162|m|ft|abbr=on|disp=semicolon}}).<ref>{{cite web |title=Flag of Azerbaijan |date=July 3, 2008 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/tajikistan/8157189/Tajikistan-takes-flag-pole-war-to-new-heights.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/tajikistan/8157189/Tajikistan-takes-flag-pole-war-to-new-heights.html |archive-date=2022-01-11 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |publisher=Telegraph.co.uk}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The flagpole in North Korea is the fourth tallest flagpole in the world, however, it is not free-standing. It is a radio tower supported flagpole. Many of these were built by American company Trident Support: the Dushanbe Flagpole, the National Flagpole in Azerbaijan, the [[Ashgabat Flagpole|Ashgabat flagpole]] in Turkmenistan at {{convert|133|m|ft|abbr=on}}; the [[Aqaba Flagpole]] in Jordan at {{convert|130|m|ft|abbr=on}}; the [[Raghadan Flagpole]] in Jordan at {{convert|126.8|m|ft|abbr=on}}; and the Abu Dhabi Flagpole in the United Arab Emirates at {{convert|122|m|ft|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|date=2017-09-05|title=Looking for Afghanistan? Turn Left at the Enormous Flagpole|url=https://www.nationalgeographic.org/projects/out-of-eden-walk/articles/2017-09-looking-afghanistan-turn-left-enormous-flagpole/?sf111671937=1#!|website=National Geographic}}</ref>

The current tallest flagpole in India (and the tallest flying the tricolour) is the {{convert|110|m|ft|adj=on}} flagpole in [[Belgaum]], Karnataka which was first hoisted on 12 March 2018.<ref>{{cite web |title=Karnataka's Belgaum is now home to India's tallest flag |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/the-buzz/article/tallest-flag-in-india-attari-border-indian-national-flag-belgaum-ramesh-jarkiholi-largest-biggest-flagpole-flag-hoisting-rules-and-regulation/206890 |website=Times Now News |date=13 March 2018 |access-date=6 July 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=Mar 12, 2018|title=Tallest flag in India: Country's tallest tricolour to be hoisted in Belagavi |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubballi/countrys-tallest-tricolour-to-be-hoisted-in-belagavi/articleshow/63249848.cms |website=The Times of India |access-date=6 July 2019 |language=en}}</ref> The tallest flagpole in the United Kingdom from 1959 until 2013 stood in [[Kew Gardens]]. It was made from a Canadian Douglas-fir tree and was {{convert|68.5|m|ft|abbr=on}} in height.<ref>{{cite web| title=Timber! Steeplejacks to dismantle Kew Flagpole|url=http://www.kew.org/press/flagpole.html| publisher=Kew.org| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817234628/http://www.kew.org/press/flagpole.html| archive-date=2016-08-17}}</ref>

The current tallest flagpole in the United States (and the tallest flying an American flag) is the {{convert|400|ft|m|adj=on}} pole completed before [[Memorial Day]] 2014 and custom-made with an {{convert|11|ft|m|adj=on}} base in concrete by [[wind turbine]] manufacturer Broadwind Energy. It is situated on the north side of the [[Acuity Insurance]] headquarters campus along [[Interstate 43]] in [[Sheboygan, Wisconsin]], and is visible from [[Cedar Grove, Wisconsin|Cedar Grove]]. The pole can fly a 220-pound flag in light wind conditions and a heavier 350-pound flag in higher wind conditions.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sheboyganpress.com/article/20140525/SHE0101/305250197/High-flying-Up-time-Memorial-Day-Acuity-flag-world-s-tallest|title=High-flying: Up in time for Memorial Day, Acuity flag is world's tallest|last=Weyandt|first=Janet|date=25 May 2014|work=[[The Sheboygan Press]]|access-date=26 May 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403170745/http://www.sheboyganpress.com/article/20140525/SHE0101/305250197/High-flying-Up-time-Memorial-Day-Acuity-flag-world-s-tallest|archive-date=3 April 2015}}</ref>

===Design===
Flagpoles can be designed in one piece with a taper (typically a steel taper or a [[entasis|Greek entasis]] taper),<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050228014231/http://lingoinc.com/tapers.htm |archive-date=2005-02-28 |url=http://lingoinc.com/tapers.htm |title=Cone Tapered vs. Venetian Entasis Tapered |publisher=Lingo Flagpoles Inc}}</ref> or be made from multiple pieces to make them able to expand. In the United States, [[ANSI|ANSI/NAAMM]] guide specification FP-1001-97 covers the engineering design of metal flagpoles to ensure safety.

<gallery widths="200" heights="200">
File:Bickleigh , Bickleigh Maize Maze - Flagpole - geograph.org.uk - 1223767.jpg|Flagpole of modest size, with simple [[Truck (rigging)|truck]]
File:New Zealand flag at Auckland Airport.jpg|Large flagpole, showing structured [[Truck (rigging)|truck]] (New Zealand)
File:Two official flags of New Caledonia on same flagpole.png|[[New Caledonia]] has two flags, flown here in [[Nouméa]], the capital city, on a single flagpole with a crossbar
File:Thanjavur periya kovil-tamil nadu.JPG|[[Dwajasthambam]] (flagpole) at [[Brihadeeswarar Temple]] in [[Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu]], India
</gallery>

==Hoisting the flag==
[[File:Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony 2011 (5475200349).jpg|thumb|[[Flag of Australia]] at a flag-hoisting ceremony on [[Australian Citizenship Day]] 2011]]

Hoisting the flag is the act of raising the flag on the flagpole. Raising or lowering flags, especially national flags, usually involves ceremonies and certain sets of rules, depending on the country, and usually involve the performance of a [[national anthem]].

A flag-raising squad is a group of people, usually troops, cadets, or students, that march in and bring the flags for the flag-hoisting ceremony. Flag-hoisting ceremonies involving flag-raising squads can be simple or elaborate, involving large numbers of squads. Elaborate flag-hoisting ceremonies are usually performed on national holidays.

The cord or rope that ties a flag to its pole is called a halyard. Flags may have a strip of fabric along the hoist side called a ''heading'' for the halyard to pass through, or a pair of [[grommet]]s for the halyard to be threaded through. Flags may also be held in position using [[Inglefield clip]]s.<ref>Inglefield, p. 12.</ref>

==Flags in communication==
[[File:Semaphore Signals A-Z.jpg|thumb|right|Semaphore signals for the letters of the English alphabet]]

[[Flag semaphore|Semaphore]] is a form of communication that utilises flags. The signalling is performed by an individual using two flags (or lighted wands), the positions of the flags indicating a symbol. The person who holds the flags is known as the signalman. This form of communication is primarily used by [[navy|naval]] signallers. This technique of signalling was adopted in the early 19th century and is still used in various forms today.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.anbg.gov.au/flags/semaphore.html|title=Semaphore Flag Signalling System|publisher=ANBG.gov.au|access-date=31 March 2017}}</ref>

The colours of the flags can also be used to communicate. For example; a white flag means, among other things, surrender or peace, a red flag can be used as a warning signal, and a black flag can mean war, or determination to defeat enemies.

Orientation of a flag is also used for communication, though the practice is rarely used given modern communication systems. Raising a flag upside-down was indicative that the raising force controlled that particular area, but that it was in severe distress.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.military.com/flag-day/flag-ettiquette-dos-and-donts.html|title=Flag Etiquette Do's and Don'ts|last=Scanlon|first=Caitlin|work=Military.com|access-date=2017-10-05|language=en}}</ref>

==See also==
;Lists and galleries of flags
* [[Gallery of sovereign state flags]]
* [[List of flag names]]
* [[Lists of flags]]
* [[Timeline of national flags]]

;Notable flag-related topics
* [[Flag families]]
* [[False flag]]
* [[Flag Day]]
* [[Flag desecration]]
* [[Flag protocol]]
* [[Flag patch]]
* [[Flag semaphore]]
* [[Flag throwing]]
* [[Glossary of vexillology]]
* [[Pledge of Allegiance (United States)]]
* [[Standard-bearer]] (also enumerates various types of standards, both flag types and immobile ensigns)
* [[Vexillology]]
* [[Flags of the World (website)|Flags of the World]], an Internet-based vexillological association and resource
* [[Windsock]]

== Citations ==
{{reflist}}

== General and cited references ==
*Inglefield, Eric (1979 edition). ''Flags''. Ward Lock, London. {{ISBN|0706356527}}

==External links==
{{Wikidata property| P163}}
{{commons category|Flags}}
{{Wikiquote}}
* [http://www.anbg.gov.au/flags/signal-flags.html International Marine Signal Flags]

{{Vexillology}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Flags| ]]
[[Category:Articles containing video clips]]
[[Category:National symbols]]