United Kingdom

The Union Jack is a transnational flag full of historical significance. It represents the union of different countries and the growth of a family of nations whose influence extends far beyond the British Isles. This far-reaching influence is still seen today in the incorporation of the Union Jack in other national flags such as that of Australia. The British flag is called the "Union Jack", an expression that needs to be explained.

The Union Jack is a fine expression of unity as well as diversity. The British flag incorporates the national symbols of three distinct countries, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. In fact its name "Union Jack" emphasises the very nature of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland as a union of nations. The flag is also known by another name, this too, emphasising the idea of union: the "Union flag", perhaps a less common term but a little more precise. The countries comprising the British Isles are not inward-looking or isolated states with an insular mentality; together they constitute a powerful union that has spanned centuries. Recent devolution that gave Scotland its own Parliament and Wales its own Assembly has also emphasised the importance of individual national identities within the union without affecting the essential unity of Great Britain. On the contrary, it has strengthened it. Recognition of, and respect for national identities are an essential ingredients for effective union. The Union Jack symbolises all this: respect for individuality within a closely knit community.

The "Union Jack" or "Union Flag" is a composite design made up of three different national symbols: St. George's Cross, St. Andrew's Cross, and St. Patrick's Cross,

The cross represented in each flag is named after the patron saint of each country: St. George, patron saint of England, St. Andrew, patron saint of Scotland and St. Patrick, patron saint of Ireland.

The image above renders the idea of the union of the three flags forming one unified, transnational Flag.

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Are U from Uruguay?

The sun emblem is the 'Sun of May'; it is a symbol of freedom and independence. The nine stripes represent the nine provinces of Uruguay, which existed at the time of the flags creation.

Fun fact: The colors of the Uruguay flag were inspired by the flag of Argentina; while the United States national flag influenced the design.

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Uzbekistan

The crescent symbolizes the independence of Uzbekistan and the historical traditions of the people. The 12 stars represent the historical culture of the country and relate to the 12 signs of the zodiac, which served as a basis for a solar calendar. The blue is historically linked to Uzbekistan and also represents the sky and water as one of the main sources of life. The white stands for peace and purity of ideals. Green represents nature, hope and new life and red represents life.

Interesting Factoid: Even though Uzbekistan is a predominantly Muslim country and the crescent is a symbol of Islam, the crescent moon on the Uzbekistan flag represents of the nation instead of its religion.


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Venezuela

Yellow represents new opportunities, the red symbolizes Spain, and the blue stands for the Atlantic Ocean, which separates the two. The seven stars represent the seven provinces that existed at the time of Venezuelan independence.

Interesting fact: There are many Venezuelan flags that do not have the coat of arms on them; this is the country's civil flag.

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Vietnam

The red base represents blood spilt during the country's fight for independence. The star represents Vietnam's unity and the points on the star represent the union of the workers, peasants, soldiers, intellectuals and young people working together in building socialism.

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