Complete Flags of the World

Complete Flags of the World
Published at DK Canada

About the Book

Vexillology, or the study of flags is a fascinating and ever-changing subject. The Complete Flags of the World presents a detailed and compelling overview of the history behind the development of world flags. Each national flag is fully described with text and annotations that describe its history, the development of its design, the significance of colors, symbols, and crests. Even the smallest countries are given a full page, and the story of each flag is analyzed consistently to make comparisons simple. The attractive format and handy pocket size will make this an ideal gift or reference for anyone who is interested in flags.

My Thoughts

This interesting book would be a great tool for anyone learning the geography of the world as it will help you discover the various flags of the countries.   

At the beginning of the book, you will get a small introduction of the types of flags, the parts of a flag, as well as the heraldic terminology.  

The book is divided according of the different continents: North & central America, South America, Africa, Europe, Asia and Australasia & Oceania.   Each section will present the flags of the country you will find there.   Some countries also have national and subnational flags.   For example, in Canada, you will learn more about the flag – the date it was adopted, the usage, the meanings of the colors as well as a little bit of history behind it.     However, because Canada is composed of ten provinces and three territories, you will also discover each flag for the provinces and territories as well as the Canadian Royal Standard, the flags for Cape Breton Island, Labrador, the Governor-General and the Union Flag.  

For many countries, you also have the arms that are illustrated with information about it.     This book will help you learn the meaning of the colors and designs on each flag that we can find around the world.    There is an history behind each of them and the Complete Flags of the World will highlight it as well.   

For example, I was interested in learning more about the flag in Dominican Republic because I have two sponsored children in that country.   I have learned that the blue and red were taken from the flag of Haiti which once controlled the Dominican Republic.   The Coat of arms only appears on the flag for national and state use and the white cross symbolize faith.      The flag was designed by the leader of the Trinitarians.   The arms depict a Bible open at the first chapter of St. John’s Gospel. and the password of the Trinitarian movement is also included “God, Country, Freedom”.

At the end of the book you will also discover the international flags as well as the signal flags used around the world.

While going through this book I got reminded of a project I had done in primary school where I had to present various flags from different countries.   I remember drawing each individual flags on a cardboard and did a presentation about each flags.   

I find it is important to learn about the flags because it will help you identify a country when special events are happening – especially during the Olympics!  

The Complete Flags of the World is available at your favorite bookstore, even amazon.ca.

Disclaimer: Thanks to DK Canada for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.