This is a totally frivolous diary, but I wasn't going to write one today anyway, so I might as well expand on a random thought I had about the design of national flags. Basically, I've noticed that flags of countries that evolved out of a long history of warfare tend to involve colors that show up very well against the background of the prevalent natural environment. It's not a real theory, and it falls apart on close inspection, but it's an amusing thought to explore. I also show some of my favorite national flags.
- Germany
Here is the natural environment of Deutschland:
Now, here is the flag of Germany:
Pretty big contrast, nay? Imagine that flag against the background of the above environments. It would be highly visible, to say the least.
- The Soviet Union
Here is the natural environment of Russia:
Here is the Soviet flag:
Sticks out like a sore thumb.
- Saudi Arabia
Here is the natural environment of Saudi Arabia:
Here is the flag of Saudi Arabia:
Color virtually nonexistent in Saudi Arabia: Green. Color of Saudi flag: Green. Go figure.
---
Beyond that random thought process, here are some of my favorite flags - and I should note that it has absolutely nothing to do with my opinion of the countries/governments they represent.
Antigua and Barbuda:
Argentina:
Bosnia and Herzegovina:
Canada:
Taiwan:
Estonia:
Kyrgyzstan:
Greece:
Honduras:
Iceland:
North Korea:
Malaysia:
Marshall Islands:
Norway:
Sierra Leone:
United Kingdom:
United States:
Uruguay:
------
Hall of Shame:
(Please, no lectures about cultural standards.
I say what's cool and what's not!)
Bangladesh:
Cyprus:
Qatar:
Libya:
Mozambique:
Latvia:
---
Feel free to use this as an open thread, or talk about flags (of any kind, not just national), or whatever.