National flags are far more than simple visual symbols. They convey history, values, and national
identity through a shared visual language. This analysis examines the 196 internationally
recognized countries and their chromatic choices.
The colors present in each flag have been analyzed and quantified based on their percentage of
presence. Each color is measured as the proportion of the flag it occupies.
The dataset includes 196 countries with detailed color-related characteristics.
Sources/API: restcountries, flagpedia, galerie drapeaux, liste couleurs
Table of the 196 Countries
| Flag |
Country
|
Continent
|
Dominant Color |
Distinct Colors |
|---|
Most common flag colors
This chart shows how often each color appears in national flags. The percentage represents the share of flags that contain the color (presence > 0), highlighting a shared "core palette" across countries.
Dominant flag color by continent
Each country is assigned one dominant color (the most visually present). Comparing continents reveals regional color signatures and historical patterns, such as recurring palette conventions within certain geopolitical areas.
Flag complexity
This chart counts how many countries use 1, 2, 3, 4… distinct colors in their flag. It describes the graphic complexity of flags (minimalism vs symbolic richness).
Context
Flags are not mere combinations of colors, but visual narratives of history and national identity. Red, present in 76% of flags, often evokes blood shed for independence or revolution. Blue frequently represents the sea, the sky, or peace. Green commonly symbolizes nature or the hope of prosperity.
Clear regional patterns can be observed: Arab countries often use red, white, black, and green (Pan-Arab colors). African countries that gained independence after 1960 frequently adopted red, green, and yellow (Pan-African colors). European countries display a wide variety of color choices, reflecting their distinct historical trajectories.