Flags All Countries
Explore the Flags of All Countries of the World
"Your flag and my flag, And how it flies today In your land and my land And half a world away!"
In every nation of the world, the people who call that nation their home form a bond, and a love, of that country. To the patriot, country stands for justice and the bond between countrymen. To the poet, a country stands for the beauty of its natural resources and the love between those who live there. And to the traveler, a country is a foreign land, with odd customs and wonderfully unique people. But to everyone, there is one thing that represents it all - the national flag. The flag of a nation is what stands for all people, from every walk of life, who live within the borders of a common land. The flag, waving in the wind far above the ground, represents the pride that we have for a nation that we love.
Visit Applied Language for an impressive archive of information about every country in the world. On this website you'll find an alphabetical list of every country. Clicking on a link brings you to images of the flag - small, medium, and large - which you can copy and use wherever you would like.
Even more impressive is the library of information that you can find on each country, including:
- Geography
- People
- Government
- Economy
- Communication
- Transportation
- Military
- Transnational Issues
- Country Map
The Puerto Rican Flag - It's Origin and History
by Ileana Ferreras"Que bonita bandera. La Bandera Puertorriqueña." Definitely beautiful but where did that flag come from? Who designed it? And what does it mean?
When asked, many can identify it: Red, white and blue with five horizontal red and white strips and a white star centered in a blue triangular field on the top corner of the hoist side.
The red stripes represent the brave warriors' blood while the white are symbolic of the victory and peace of gaining independence. The star represents the island, the triangle indicates three branches of government, and the blue field signifies the sky and coastal waters.
The Puerto Rican flag is the inverse of the Cuban flag, reflecting the comradery of 19th century Cuban and Puerto Rican patriots in exile.
Created by the Puerto Rican portion of the Cuban Revolutionary Party, to advocate independence from Spanish rule, the flag's actual author remains controversial and uncertain. Some possible creators include Gonzalo (Pachín) Marín, Antonio Vélez Alvarado or Manuel Besosa.
Marín was said to have presented a flag prototype to the Puerto Rican Revolutionary Committee in New York City since then he has received primary credit.
Another rumor is that Vélez Alvarado was said to have stared at the Cuban flag for several minutes before seeing it inverted as an optical illusion against the white wall of his Manhattan apartment.
And finally, Manuel Besosa's daughter wrote a letter stating she sewed the flag creating a belief that he could have been its designer.
The original, created in 1895, contained a light blue hue in its design, yet a darker blue tone was later chosen for today's official flag. Adopted in 1952, the very day Puerto Rico became a commonwealth or a "free associated state", the darker blue represented a severance from the flag's original revolutionary ties.
In 1898 when Puerto Rico was invaded by the United States, the Puerto Rican flag became the mark of resistance to the invasion and it was considered a felony to display it in public. Anyone caught doing so was arrested on charges of insubordination against the United States. During that time the only flag permitted to be flown on the island was the U.S. stars and stripes.
Then in 1948, when Luis Muñoz Marin was elected governor of Puerto Rico, his administration adopted the dark blue version making it the official Island flag. To date it has only flown along side the United States flag.
The shade of blue used on the flags tends to correspond with political views. Pro-independence groups prefer the original lighter blue, while those who favor statehood use the darker shade, more closely representing the American flag.
Regardless of the hue, the flag remains a symbol of pride for Puerto Ricans everywhere.
http://www.Boricuacentral.com offers puerto rican flags and other types of Puerto Rican souvenirs that are designed to celebrate the culture and pride of the Puerto Rican people.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ileana_Ferreras
 | There are few images that spark feelings of intense patriotism within U.S. citizens than the United States flag. The United States Flag Store not only sells all variations of U.S. flags and accessories including flagpole kits and historic replicas, but it also carries international flags of every country throughout the world. This is one of the most comprehensive flag stores on the internet. |
Theodora.com provides visitors with a resource to look up country flags for all countries in the world. This site presents an 8 page alphabetical list of country names. When you click on the name, it takes you to the country flag. If you click on the country flag, it provides you with a geographic map of the country.
| Flags.net is not only an alphabetized flag database, but it lists the top ten recommended flag books, including British Flags & Emblems, The World Encyclopedia of Flags, and Flags at Sea. |  |
Places to Buy Flags of All Countries
World Nations - Includes political, nautical, novelty, and sports related flags, as well as flag related memorabilia and accessories.Flags Unlimited - Offers state, U.S., international, military and specialty flags.
World Flags 101 - Offers not only flags, but also a comprehensive collection of flag related items such as clothing, pins, bunting, banners and more.
Flags High - Flags & banners of every type.
Embassy Flag - Offers a desktop flag for every nation that is a member of the UN - all 192 of them.
Miniature Flag Shop - This collection of desktop flags includes world, state, military, historical, racing and more.
National Country Flags - This collection of flags is mostly U.S. based, but it is stocked very well with historic, military and political flags, and much more.
International Flags - This business, running since 1989, boasts one of the largest collections of international flags in the United States.
All Kings Flags - This site is very much centered around the military, but offers patriotic flags of all types.
Flags Unlimited, Inc. - Flags Unlimited claims to be one of the largest flag stores in the country, founded in 1985. Includes marine/nautical/religious, and others, in addition to international flags.
The Flag Guys - This site offers an amazing array of everything related to flags. Theres even an area of flag related books, offering books on flag history such as The Flags of the Confederacy by Devereaux D. Cannon, The Story of California and Her Flags to Color, The returned Battle Flags souvenir book, and many more.
 | Amazon offers "The Top 20 Flag Books", including Ultimate Pocket Flags of the World by DK Publishing, Native American Flags by Donald T. Healy, Flags Through the Ages and Across the World by Whitney Smith, and much more. |
Photius.com provides visitors with a picture directory of all of the flags of the world, listed alphabetically. Simply scan the list and either find the name, or the picture icon of the flag. This list is a great resource if you know what the flag is supposed to look like, but you're not certain.
The Flag of Our Country
By Charles SumnerThere is the national flag. He must be cold indeed who can look upon its folds, rippling in the breeze, without pride of country. If he be in a foreign land, the flag is companionship and country itself, with all its endearments. Its highest beauty is in what it symbolizes. It is because it represents all, that all gaze at it with delight and reverence.
It is a piece of bunting lifted in the air; but it speaks sublimely, and every part has a voice. Its stripes of alternate red and white proclaim the original union of thirteen states to maintain the Declaration of Independence. Its stars of white on a field of blue proclaim that union of states constituting our national constellation, which receives a new star with every new state. The two together signify union past and present.
The very colors have a language which was officially recognized by our fathers. White is for purity, red for valor, blue for justice; and all together, bunting, stripes, stars, and colors, blazing in the sky, make the flag of our country to be cherished by all our hearts, to be upheld by all our hands.
Biography
Charles Sumner (1811-1874), an American statesman and orator, was born in Boston, Massachusetts. He became United States senator in 1851. "The Flag of Our Country" is taken from an address delivered in 1867 at Cooper Institute in New York.
Generate Your Own Flag
This interesting web tool provides users with 20 pages of country flags to choose from. When you select a flag, a tool opens up for you to enter whatever text you would like to appear beneath the flag. Once you are through, the "flag generator" will create a new picture of the flag, with your text included. This is a great utility to customize a country flag for use on your own website.
"We have two American flags always: one for the rich and one for the poor. When the rich fly it means that things are under control; when the poor fly it means danger, revolution, anarchy."
- Henry Miller (American Author and Writer, 1891-1980)
"Behold a republic standing erect while empires all around are bowed beneath the weight of their own armaments -- a republic whose flag is loved while other flags are only feared.
- William Jennings Bryan (American Politician and Orator. 1860-1925)
"Remember the hours after September 11th when we came together as one to answer the attack against our homeland. We drew strength when our firefighters ran up stairs and risked their lives so that others might live; when rescuers rushed into smoke and fire at the Pentagon; when the men and women of Flight 93 sacrificed themselves to save our nation's Capitol; when flags were hanging from front porches all across America, and strangers became friends. It was the worst day we have ever seen, but it brought out the best in all of us."
- Senator John Kerry
"There is hopeful symbolism in the fact that flags do not wave in a vacuum."
- Arthur C. Clarke (English Writer of science fiction, b.1917)
"I still want to be the candidate for guys with Confederate flags in their pickup trucks. We can't beat George Bush unless we appeal to a broad cross-section of Democrats."
- Howard Dean (American Politician)
"The six colours, including the white background, represent the colours of all the world's flags... this is a true international emblem."
- Pierre de Coubertin quotes (French Educator, primarily responsible for the revival of the Olympic Games in 1894. 1863-1937)
Read more flag quotes at World of Quotes.
 | TeacherVision is an impressive resource for teachers, offering "lesson plans, printables, and more." This website offers an entire web page filled with teacher resources for flag day, including things like "Flags and Stars" math activities, history resources, social studies readings and bulletin boards, lots of printables, references, and much more. |
More Resources for Parents and Teachers
Yahoo Kids - This website lets kids click on world maps and find information about each country.
Fact Monster - Provides a great deal of history and information about every country.
Enchanged Learning - Offers lots of learning exercises for teachers or parents to do with children.
Awesome Library - Teaches kids how to respect to flag, offers printable activities, and much more.
Child Fun - Offers all kinds of fun Flag Day activities for kids.
Up To Ten - Boowa and Kwala help kids "make a flag" with this great interactive online activity.
national Council for Geographic Education Provides a worksheet for teachers to use to help with "exploring national and state flags."
| AllBookStores.com carries 233 titles on flag history, mostly centered around the history of the U.S. flag. A sample of titles include The American Flag by Elaine Landau, The Flag Maker by Claire Nivola, and Betsy Ross by Jan Mader. |  |
More Resources for Flag-Related Books
Book Finder - A list of over 100 books about flags.
The Nautical Mind - A list of books about flag etiquette when boating.
Shop.com - A list of books about flags, mostly centered around children's books.
Bestwebbuys.com - Lists about 340 titles of books based on the subject of "flags."
What Are the Most Popular Holiday Flags?
By Robert KnechtelFlags aren't just for pride in our countries any more - many people are choosing to display them for holidays and other special occasions, too. That means that there's a wide variety of holiday flags available, from Valentine's Day and Easter flags to Thanksgiving and Christmas, and everything that comes in between. Here are some of the options you'll see in the most popular holiday flags on the market.
New Year's Flags are getting more popular, and tend to be mostly party oriented. Some can be reused year after year, but others have the date printed or sewn on them. You may also see patriotic New Year's flags, featuring the Stars and Stripes in various arrangements. You can order custom flags and choose from many sizes and colors. For other cultures that don't celebrate the traditional January 1st New Year, there are still New Year's flags. Chinese New Year flags and ones for other cultures are also available.
Valentine's Day Flags are flown in early February, once thought to be the beginning of birds' mating season. Hearts are an ever popular choice, but you'll see Cupid flags, balloon patterns, arrows and roses. For those who want to fly a seasonal flag but aren't happy about the holiday, there are broken heart flags. You'll see Valentine's day flags at parties, on homes, or even in a restaurant for the occasion.
St. Patrick's Day Flags are also popular. They come in every shade of green, and feature emblems and designs that people associate with the Irish. That means you'll see pots of gold and leprechauns, rainbows, shamrocks, and other symbols, as well as the Irish National flag. These flags will be flown both inside and outside, in parades on St. Patrick's day, on people's homes, and in pubs and bars.
Easter Flags are another popular choice, whether they're secular or religious. You'll see rabbits and chicks, Easter eggs, lilies, spring items and other symbols on flags. These are fun flags to display at kids' parties, or just because you're happy to see Spring. For those who prefer a strong religious statement, crosses and other more traditional Easter symbols are also available for display. They'll remind passers by that Easter isn't just about chocolate.
Flags for the Fourth of July are also available. Not all of them are just the American flag. You can find various historical versions of this flag, as well as fireworks flags, flags with the Stars and Stripes in different arrangements, and other patriotic designs to fly proudly.
Thanksgiving Flags are seeing a rise in popularity, both indoors and outside. You'll find flags with pilgrims, the Mayflower, and native Americans on them, flags featuring the cornucopia or other fall harvest symbols, scarecrows, turkeys, and lots of flags with food designs. These can be seen during Thanksgiving Day parades, or just on the front porches of people who are enjoying their Thanksgiving dinner.
Christmas is a season for flags, too. Like Easter, it's developed its own secular symbols, in addition to the religious ones. That means you'll see crosses and nativity flags, as well as holly and ivy. You may see Christmas tree flags, candy cane flags, Santa and his reindeer, snowmen, Christmas lights, and lots more.
Robert G. Knechtel is a publisher of a variety of websites, including Flags of the World as well as Holiday Flags
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Knechtel
PDF Pad offers a very fun online tool that allows you to print free flags. This is a tool that both children and adults will have fun using - you can print flags on canvas, stickers, make temporary tatoos, or a variety of other uses. You are only limited by your imagination. Simply select the geographic location, select a flag, choose the paper size, and print!