20 Countries with the Oldest National Flags Still in Use

National flags are powerful symbols of identity, history, and pride. While many countries have redesigned their flags over time, some have retained designs that date back centuries. These flags have survived wars, revolutions, colonial rule, and political change, remaining strong symbols of continuity.

Below are 20 countries with some of the oldest national flags still in use today, along with the fascinating stories behind them.

Denmark holds the record for the oldest continuously used national flag in the world. Known as the Dannebrog, the red flag with a white Nordic cross is said to have fallen from the sky during a battle in Estonia. Its design has influenced many other Scandinavian flags.

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The Dutch tricolour of red, white, and blue is one of the oldest tricolour flags still in use. It inspired several other national flags, including Russia’s. The colours symbolise bravery, purity, and vigilance. The flag became a powerful symbol during the Dutch struggle for independence from Spain.

Nepal’s flag is unique—it is the only non-rectangular national flag in the world. Its double-pennant shape and symbols of the sun and moon represent permanence and the hope that Nepal will last as long as the celestial bodies.

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The crimson color signifies bravery, while the blue border symbolises peace. The sun and moon icons originally linked the flag to the monarchy, but since they have been abolished, they have remained as symbols of national identity.

The Union Jack combines the crosses of  St. George, the patron saint of England, St. Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland, and St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. While elements of the flag date back to 1606, the current version was officially adopted in 1801 and remains a powerful global symbol.

Known as La Estrella Solitaria (The Lone Star), Chile’s flag symbolises guidance and honour. Its colours represent the sky, snow-capped Andes, and the blood spilled for independence.

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Argentina’s blue and white flag features the Sun of May, representing freedom and independence from Spanish rule. It is deeply linked to the country’s revolutionary history. The story goes that the sun broke through the clouds during the first mass demonstration for independence, and is therefore reflected in the design. 

Peru’s red and white vertical stripes symbolise courage and peace. Though modified slightly over time, the basic design has remained consistent since the 19th century. The red symbolises the blood of patriots, while the white represents peace and justice. The simple design stands out among Latin American flags.

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Uruguay’s flag features the Sun of May and nine stripes representing the original departments of the country. The flag was designed by Joaquín Suárez and originally had 18 white and blue horizontal stripes. However, the flag was changed shortly after, with the number of stripes reduced to nine. Its design reflects both independence and unity.

The French Tricolour of blue, white, and red emerged during the French Revolution. France restored its blue, white, and red tricolor design in 1830 after the July Revolution. The blue and red represent the revolutionary zeal of Paris, while the white symbolises the monarchy. It symbolises liberty, equality, and fraternity, and has inspired many modern flags worldwide.

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Tunisia’s red flag with a white circle, crescent, and star dates back to the Ottoman era.The red symbolises historic battles and the strength of the Tunisian people, and the white disk at the center contains a crescent and a star to symbolize the nation's ties to Islam. It symbolises Islam and has remained unchanged for nearly two centuries.

Belgium’s vertical tricolour of black, yellow, and red reflects the country’s coat of arms and its struggle for independence from Dutch rule.

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Paraguay’s flag is one of the few national flags with different emblems on each side. It represents justice, peace, and national independence.

Turkey’s red flag with a white crescent and star has roots in the Ottoman Empire. The symbols are widely associated with Islam and Turkish identity.

Liberia’s flag resembles that of the United States, reflecting its founding by freed African-American slaves. The single star symbolises freedom and independence.

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Bolivia’s red, yellow, and green stripes represent bravery, mineral wealth, and the country’s rich natural environment.

Ecuador’s flag shares its colours with Colombia and Venezuela, reflecting their shared history in Gran Colombia. The coat of arms highlights national pride and geography.

Colombia’s tricolour of yellow, blue, and red symbolises wealth, loyalty, and sacrifice. The design has strong historical ties to independence movements.

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One of the world’s oldest republics, San Marino’s flag reflects liberty and sovereignty, values the country has upheld for centuries.

Honduras’ blue and white stripes represent the oceans surrounding Central America, while the five stars symbolise unity among the region’s nations.

Japan’s Hinomaru flag, featuring a red sun on a white background, has been used for centuries. It represents the sun goddess and Japan’s identity as the “Land of the Rising Sun”.

These flags are more than just pieces of cloth—they are living records of history. Despite political changes and global transformation, these countries have preserved their flags as symbols of identity, resilience, and national pride.

From Denmark’s medieval banner to Japan’s ancient sun symbol, these flags remind us that history can still fly high in the modern world.