National flags are not only symbols representing states, but also reflect the history and identity of peoples formed over centuries.
Modern.az reminds that the flags of some countries have been used for centuries and remain one of the main symbols of those states today.
Denmark's flag, called "Dannebrog", is considered the oldest national flag in continuous use. The modern design of the flag, consisting of a white Scandinavian cross on a red background, was formalized in 1625. There is historical evidence that the flag was used even earlier. It is depicted in the Gelre armorial book dating back to the 1370s.
According to Danish legend, Dannebrog fell from the sky during the Battle of Lindanisse in 1219.
The origin of Austria's red-white-red horizontal striped flag dates back to 1230. It is considered one of the oldest state symbols in the world.
Latvia's flag, consisting of dark red and white colors, was first mentioned in a historical source in 1280. The design of the flag has been preserved over the centuries.
The use of Switzerland's flag, consisting of a white cross on a red background, dates back to the 15th century. The country's flag is also one of the rare national flags in the world that is square in shape.
The Netherlands' red-white-blue flag has been in use since approximately 1572. In the first version, orange was used instead of red, and later orange was replaced with red.
The Nepal flag is completely different from other national flags. It consists of the combination of two triangles and has been in use since 1743. Nepal is the only country in the world with a national flag that is not rectangular in shape.
The current "Union Jack" design of Great Britain was adopted on January 1, 1801. The flag was created from the combination of crosses representing England, Scotland, and Ireland.
Chile's current national flag was adopted on October 18, 1817. The flag, consisting of blue, white, and red colors, is one of the country's most important national symbols.
The Argentina flag was adopted on February 25, 1818. The "Sun of May" is located in the center of the flag, which consists of blue-white-blue stripes.
Peru's red-white-red flag was adopted on February 25, 1825, and remains one of the country's main state symbols to this day.
