Which Country Flags Have the Best Designs?

One of the oldest forms of branding that is still very much relevant is the country flag. Some of them are really great and memorable, some are really ugly or forgettable. With 195 different countries in the world, how do you stand out? And which country flags are the best ones? We did some research and came up with a selection of our favourites.

Of course we all have our own biases and personal preferences when choosing our favourite flag designs. We often resonate with the ones whose colours, shapes, and symbols are familiar. Let alone how many countries there are to pick from.

So without further ado.. Let’s see the flags!

Albania

With a black double-headed eagle against a red background as its flag design, the Albanian flag has one of the most striking and intimidating flag designs in the world.

The eagle may be hard to draw from memory, but it certainly makes a bold statement one cannot easily forget. The combination of colours demonstrates fearlessness and strength. Many country flag designs feature some sort of animal, none of them creates the same impression as the eagle of the Albanian flag.

The flag design contains rich symbolism and history. The black double-headed eagle represents the country’s sovereignty while the red colour represents Albania’s valour, bravery and strength.

Japan

We have to give some props to the Japanese flag. Though the elements of the design are very much similar to the country flags of Bangladesh, Tunisia, and Palau, what sets it apart is the straightforward nature of its colours and symbolism.

Though the shapes and set-up aren’t entirely unique, Japan’s use of red and white makes the flag easily recognizable and memorable. The colours are simple and common, but it is bold and dignified in its own right.

When it comes to their imagery, they don’t really play around. The red sun against the white background really highlights the country’s title as “the land of the rising sun”. The colour symbolism also represents Japan as a nation as well. The red circle is meant to represent Japan’s prosperous future. On the other hand, the white represents purity, honesty, and integrity.

Switzerland

When it comes to memorability, Switzerland certainly has the flag game on lock. Just think of Red Cross International’s logo but with switched colours.

The Swiss flag is very unique. Though people know it as a rectangle, the official shape of the Swiss flag is actually square.

The colours of the Swiss flag have their own history. In the 13th century, the white cross and red coloured flags were carried around by the German emperor who ruled Swiss lands when it was still part of the German Empire. It is in 1889, however, when they finally established the white cross on the red background as the country’s official flag design. It now represents the Christian cross and the country’s beginnings as the Old Swiss Confederacy.

Jamaica

Jamaica’s flag is very memorable due to its simple design and beautiful colour combination.

It’s what also makes it very unique. Aside from Jamaica, only Scotland has a plain X shape as the flag design. The shape and the arrangement of the colours make for a very balanced flag design.

The colours of the Jamaican flag are very memorable and rich with symbolism. Black represents the strength and creativity of the Jamaican people. Gold symbolises natural wealth and beauty of sunlight. Lastly, green is the symbol of hope and the country’s agricultural resources.

Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone has one of the most pleasing and relaxing flag designs. It’s not very unique in terms of form, but it certainly is easy to remember. It very much looks like the Uzbeki flag upside down but it has a much more simple and straightforward design.

What makes Sierra Leone stand out from other horizontal tri-coloured flags is its colour combination. Not many countries use the combination of green, white, and blue in its flag design.

Though very simple, Sierra Leone’s country flag is full of history and meaning. Green represents the country’s natural and agricultural resources. White means justice. Lastly, blue signifies the country’s capital city of Freetown which is located near the sea.

Do you agree with our choice of the best flags in the world? Did we forget a beautiful flag? Let us know in the comments!

Originally published at https://www.helloprint.co.uk on April 1, 2019.