Flags of the World Quiz: Can You Name the Country by Its Flag?
Written by Jessica Holom
Last updated · 6 min play time
Do you have a memory for national flags? Then take this World Flags quiz and name them all!
“A thoughtful mind, when it sees a nation's flag, sees not the flag, but the nation itself." – Henry Ward Beecher
That's because a nation's flag symbolizes everything the nation stands for. The color choices, the emblems, the stars or stripes – all of these attributes are not accidental; they represent the nation's ideals and values with thoughtfulness and purpose.
Can you name all twenty countries over which these national flags wave? Put on your thinking cap and celebrate global nationalism by acing this World Flags Quiz!
Test your Geography Knowledge
Pauline Hanson once wrote, "To survive in peace and harmony, united and strong, we must have one people, one nation, one flag." Join us in our World Flags Quiz to identify each one of these united and strong nations under their banner heads.
From Belize to Brazil, knowing a little something about these twenty nations and the history of their flags is a surefire way to ace this World Flags Quiz. Whether their symbolic colors stand out to you, their national motto, their emblems, or their bold shapes, you'll be sure to walk away having learned something from this World Flags Quiz. If you have an eye for national banners, then this World Flags Quiz will see if you can see from sea to shining sea.
Let your flag-loving freak flag fly by taking this World Flags Quiz and maybe you'll one day raise a flag all your own!
Try all of our Geography Quizzes
Do you have wanderlust? Are you a world traveler or a dreamer? Then, explore the far corners of the globe by diving into our collection of geography quizzes.
This geography series is hard to beat. Whether you think you know global currency, landmarks, or maps, our geography series will test your knowledge in more ways than one. Start here with Flags of the World and branch out with Asian capitals, country outlines, natural landmarks and so much more!
Quiz written by
Jessica HolomJessica Holom is a freelance writer and digital nomad with a background in literature, art, and writing. She believes curiosity never killed a single cat and enjoys learning, world-exploring, and writing about both.
World Flags Quiz Questions
20 Questions · 2.1K Plays · 2 Comments
Question 1
This simplistic flag stands out. Name that "land of the rising sun".
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ASweden
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BJapan
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CChina
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DLatvia
Japan
Known as the "land of the rising sun," Japan's flag does not disappoint. The country's belief is that it was originally founded by the sun goddess Amaterasu in the 7th century B.C. Being as such, sun flags in Japan date back to 1184 and oral traditions even further. Adopted in 1854, Japan's current sun flag is simple and striking with the hot red contrasting with the cool white. The flag was officially adopted in 1999, although this act was somewhat controversial, as pacifists said it recalled the country's role in WWII.
Question 2
The Sun features in many flags. Where is this one from, known as the Star of Vergina?
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ABelgium
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BRomania
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CGhana
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DMacedonia
Macedonia
This striking flag is the national banner of Macedonia. As red and gold are part of the country's heritage, the "starburst flag" adopted in 1992 after the USSR disbanded, was originally flown by Alexander the Great and his pops, Philip II of Macedon in the 4th century B.C. Called the "Star of Vergina," the Greeks were opposed to this symbol serving on Macedonia's flag, as it was such a significant part of their own cultural heritage. They were so opposed to it that they pressured the country economically and diplomatically to make some changes. The "golden sun" was altered a little to its current design in 1995.
Question 3
Once representing the Portuguese who ruled here, what flag's green background is now said to represent its forests?
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ABrazil
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BArgentina
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CParaguay
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DSpain
Brazil
Originally ruled by the Portuguese, Brazil adopted its new flag in 1889. The flag features the most stars on any national banner, with the exception of the U.S. flag, with 27 stars representing the Brazilian states and Federal District in the shape of the Southern Cross constellation. The country's motto, "Order and Progress" (Ordem e Progresso), is scripted below.
Question 4
Old and new play their part in this country's flag. Name that African nation.
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AGuatemala
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BKenya
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CItaly
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DSyria
Kenya
The bold colors of the Kenyan flag are a call back to the country's history as a former colony and its future of peace and natural abundance. Adopted in 1963, the newly independent nation chose the Masai shield and spears to represent their country's tradition and defense of its newfound freedom.
Question 5
One of this country's major landmarks is depicted on its national flag. Name that Khmer Empire.
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AAustralia
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BCambodia
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CVietnam
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DThailand
Cambodia
Cambodia gained its independence from France in 1948, and this flag was the result. Although it was replaced by the Khmer Republic flag for a bit, from 1970, it returned with a vengeance in 1993. Featuring Angkor Wat front and center, the world's largest religious monument is Cambodia's most iconic landmark.
Question 6
There are only two countries with square flags. One of them is Vatican City. What is the other?
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AVenezuela
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BJordan
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CSwitzerland
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DGermany
Switzerland
Another quite unique national flag, this square cross belongs to Switzerland. Originating with the Holy Roman Empire, the white cross on the red background is inspired by the imperial war flag at the time, as many Swiss served in the imperial army.
Question 7
An AK-47 features on which country's flag?
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AAfghanistan
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BSweden
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CMozambique
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DIraq
Mozambique
Mozambique's struggle for independence from Portugal is representative in its flag. Adopted in 1961, the original flag's black referenced Mozambique's African ancestry, while the green symbolized its fertile plains and mountains. Newer versions of this flag were adopted in 1975 and then again in 1983, modifying the Frelimo party flag with a yellow star in the middle, joined by a book, an AK47, and a hoe, to represent education, national defense, and agriculture.
Question 8
Adopted in 1992, this country's double-headed eagle flag is bold. Name that young banner.
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AAlbania
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BColombia
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CSouth Africa
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DUnited States
Albania
The bold red Albanian flag, with its double-headed eagle, was adopted in 1992. The symbol of the two-headed eagle originated in the Byzantine Empire, of which Albania was a part. But its main source of inspiration was the nation's hero, Prince Skanderbeg, who mounted his flag above his Krujë fortress as a snub to the ruling Turks. Similarly, his banner was red with a black eagle.
Question 9
Five of this nation's regions are represented by shields on its flag. Name that coastal nation.
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AGreece
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BCroatia
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CSudan
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DItaly
Croatia
The horizontal red, white, and blue stripes of the Croatian flag were inspired by imperial Russia, a then-potential ally of Croatia during their nationalist revolt in 1848 against Austria-Hungary. On the central coat of arms, five historic shields of the nation appear, including those of Dubrovnik, Istria, Dalmatia, Slavonia, and the oldest known shield of Croatia.
Question 10
The sea, sand, and sun depicted on this flag are what attracts tourists to this country. Name that island paradise.
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ANew Zealand
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BJamaica
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CAntigua and Barbuda
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DMalta
Antigua and Barbuda
Sea, sand, and sun – that's what the touristic country of Antigua and Barbuda hope to promote with the blue, white, and gold of their national flag. Adopted in 1967, the red in the shape of a V represents victory and power, while the black is a callback to the nation's African ancestry. The sun is also said to illustrate the dawning of a new era.
Question 11
The Union Jack adopted aspects of flags from which four countries?
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AFrance, The Netherlands, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein
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BDenmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland
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CEngland, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland
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DSpain, Portugal, Morocco, and Italy
England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland
The United Kingdom falls under the banner of the Union Jack, combining elements of England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland in one banner head. Three heraldic crosses intersect in the Union Jack – that of the patron saint of England, St. George; the patron saint of Scotland, St. Andrew; and the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick. Although the Welsh dragon doesn't make an appearance on the flag, this is due to the fact that Wales and England were already united under a single principality when the Jack was designed.
Question 12
The nomadic nature of what country's people is represented in their flag?
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APeru
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BMongolia
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CKazakhstan
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DMexico
Kazakhstan
As descendants of the Turkic-Mongol peoples known as the "Blue Horde," the distinctive blue national flag of Kazakhstan is said to represent the blue skies under which the horde roamed. Adopted in 1992, the color is also said to symbolize well-being, peace, and tranquility, while the eagle and the golden sun at the center stand for the nation's ideals and freedom.
Question 13
The only national flag that isn't a rectangle or square is home in this country. Name that mountainous nation.
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AHaiti
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BNepal
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CGreenland
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DCuba
Nepal
Nepal is the only nation with a non-quadrangular flag. Adopted in 1962, the unique flag's red background represents its national flower, the rhododendron, while blue symbolizes peace and harmony. The sun and moon are also illustrated, with the desire that Nepal will last as long as these celestial bodies.
Question 14
What country's flag was designed by a 15-year-old who won a competition?
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AUkraine
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BNew Zealand
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CPapua New Guinea
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DIsrael
Papua New Guinea
Designed by then-15-year-old Susan Karike Huhume who won a national competition in 1971, Papua New Guinea's flag highlights the nation's tribes using their traditional black and red colors. The Raggiana bird of paradise, the "Kumul," appears in yellow at the top, while the constellation of the Southern Cross is depicted in its five stars.
Question 15
Which country's flag is the most colorful in the world?
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AArmenia
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BBelize
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CCanada
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DBolivia
Belize
Adopted in 1981, the nation of Belize boasts the most colorful flag in the world with 12 different shades, mainly due to its central coat of arms. With the national motto, "Sub Umbra Floreo" ("Under the Shade I Flourish"), scripted below, the coat of arms features a mahogany tree in the background with two woodcutters in the fore, as a shoutout to the country's mahogany industry.
Question 16
Being that this country's founder arrived from the "Lion City," it's fitting that the nation's flag features one. Name that Asian nation.
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ASri Lanka
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BUganda
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CSenegal
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DSpain
Sri Lanka
Legend has it that the founder of Sri Lanka, Prince Vijaya, came to the country from Singapore, which means "Lion City," roundabout the 5th century B.C. It's from this legend that the country's Lion Flag originated. The multicultural nation added an orange vertical stripe to represent the Tamils (Hindus) and a green stripe for Muslims. Bo tree leaves were also added to represent the four virtues of Buddhism – joy, kindness, compassion, and equanimity.
Question 17
Here be dragons. What country has this mythological creature center stage on its banner?
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ABhutan
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BChina
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CJapan
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DFrance
Bhutan
Being that the head of state in Bhutan is known as the "Druk Gyalpo" (Dragon King), it's only right that a powerful Thunder Dragon be featured on the country's national banner. Adopted in 1969, the flag's white outline symbolizes purity and loyalty, yellow the royal family, and orange the significance of the Drukpa monasteries.
Question 18
The "Wheel of the Law" is at the center of which national flag?
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AIran
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BGeorgia
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CIndia
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DIraq
India
The Ashoka Chakra – or "Wheel of the Law" – appears at the center of the Indian flag. Adopted in 1947, the 24-spoke Buddhist wheel represents the law of dharma or virtue and the nation's movement forward toward peaceful change. The colors of white, green, and orange stand for peace and truth, chivalry and faith, and sacrifice and courage, respectively.
Question 19
What "Isle of Spice" features a small nutmeg on its national flag?
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ATanzania
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BIndonesia
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CGrenada
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DChile
Grenada
The bold flag of Grenada brings together the warm colors of yellow, representing warmth and wisdom, and red, symbolizing courage, with green for the nation's vegetation. The six parishes and the capital of St. George's are represented by the stars, while a nutmeg – the island nation's best-known product – also makes an appearance.
Question 20
Featuring various geometric figures, a letter of the Soyombo alphabet appears on which country's flag?
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ATajikistan
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BRussia
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CMongolia
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DChina
Mongolia
Although the communist regime of Mongolia was overthrown in 1992, their national flag retained the red and blue background that previously represented the regime. However, the country's nationalism shines through in its remake, with the Soyombo alphabetic character illustrating yin-yang, sun, moon, water, fire, and earth.
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