National flags are a powerful reminder of the values and history of a country. They also promote patriotism and respect for those who lost their lives fighting for its values. Therefore, the national flag of a country should be treated with the proper respect and dignity that it deserves.

Here are some interesting things that you should know about the flags of different countries.

•    Star-Spangled Banner, Old Glory and Star and Stripes Banner are some of the names given to the national flag of the United States of America.

•    The national flag of the United Kingdom is called the Union Jack.

•    The flags of Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan have the Kalima-e-Shahaadat written on them, while flags of Iraq and Iran have Allahu Akbar written on them in Arabic.

•    Nepal’s flag is the only flag which is not a quadrangle. It is shaped like two stacked triangles, representing the Himalaya Mountains and the two religions of Hinduism and Buddhism prevalent in the country.

•    The red and white flag of Denmark is the oldest state flag still in use and dates back to the 13th century.

•    Pakistan, Tunisia, Turkey, Algeria, Libya, Maldives and Malaysia are some countries whose flags have crescents depicted on them.

•    The flags of Bangladesh, Japan, Niger and Palau have coloured circles or disks on them.

•    Bhutan (dragon), Sri Lanka (lion), Papua New Guinea (the bird of paradise), Zambia (a soaring orange eagle), Mexico (an eagle on a cactus eating a snake) and Uganda (red-crested crane) are some flags with symbols of life forms on it.