light blue and white flag with red stars

Rather, the colors, shapes, and other design elements on a given flag usually have symbolic significance. South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (U.K.)įrench Southern and Antarctic Lands (France)įlag designs are rarely random. Territories with red, white, and blue flags American Samoa (U.S.) Countries with red, white, and blue flags Australia A simple list of countries whose flags are red, white, and blue appears below, and a more detailed table can be seen further down the page. Most flags use stripes (usually horizontal) or blocks of color into their designs, and many also utilize stars or emblems (which may include additional colors) in some way. Moreover, the combination of red, white, and blue is one of the most popular choices of all, used in the flags of more than 50 countries and territories.

Red and white are the colors most often used in flag designs, with blue and gold close behind. Countries and territories with red, white, and blue flags These similarities can make it tricky to tell certain flags apart from one another.

For instance, the flag of the Netherlands features three broad horizontal stripes of (in order) red, white, then blue, while the flag of Luxembourg features three broad horizontal stripes of red, white, then light blue and the Russian flag features three broad horizontal stripes of white, blue, then red. Many countries have similar color schemes and patterns on their flags. However, not all flags as as unique and distinguishable as one might hope. Theoretically, one can identify a person's homeland at a glance by noting which flag they display. But flags are the symbols that resonate most strongly.Įach country's flag is unique to that country. Most countries also have national animals, anthems, flowers, and so on. Flags are particularly useful in international settings such as in the Olympics, FIFA, or the United Nations, in which the citizens of many countries come together for the specific purpose of representing their country. They unite the citizenry, inspire patriotism, and offer people a tangible symbol of their country to wear and display proudly. Flags play an important role in a country's identity. So today, when you take a walk during your lunch break, keep a look out for the flag, and be sure to wish it a happy birthday.Most every nation in the world has an official flag. The love goes so deep that many people have gotten the flag permanently inked onto their bodies. Chicago’s flag is a symbol that brings people together and fosters camaraderie. In a story from 2010, the popular podcast 99% Invisible explores city flags and why Chicago’s is so important. And our love for our symbols-particularly our flag-hasn’t gone unnoticed. The city also has its own municipal device, a Y-shaped symbol that is often found on older buildings. Symbols are important to Chicagoans, and the city’s municipal flag is no exception.

The white stripes represent the North, West, and South sides of the city, the blue stripes symbolize Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, and the red stars represent important places and events in Chicago history: Fort Dearborn, the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the World's Columbian Exposition, and the Century of Progress Exposition. But there’s a lot of symbolism behind the flag. In 2004, the North American Vexillogical Association ranked it as the second best municipal flag in the United States (with Washington D.C.’s flag taking the top spot).

Designed by vexillographer Wallace Rice and adopted by the city council in 1917, municipal flag of Chicago is a simple yet striking symbol beloved by Chicagoans throughout the years.Ĭhicagoans aren’t the only ones who find the flag to be aesthetically pleasing. With its distinct light blue and white stripes and red six-point stars, the flag is commonly found throughout the city. Today marks the 100th anniversary of Chicago’s famous city flag.

Light blue and white flag with red stars