Vexillology: Europe

I actually had some trouble picking out my top five flags from Europe for the post today. Maybe it's because many European flags are too familiar, or maybe because so many of them are simple tricolor flags that, while iconic, are not quite interesting to write a post about. In the end, I was able to pick out three flags with interesting histories and cultures, one flags with globe-spanning cultural influence, and one flag with beautiful simplistic symbolism.

Principality of Andorra

The flag of Andorra reflects its unique governing structure. A tiny country landlocked between France and Spain, Andorra is just one of several European sovereign microstates. ,The position of Head of State in Andorra is shared ex-officio between two Co-Princes. The first co-prince is the Catalonian Bishop of Urgell, and the second was historically the Count of Foix or the King of France. Today there is no longer a French king, so now the position of the second co-prince is held by the President of France. This makes Andorra the only country in the world whose monarch is democratically elected by the citizens of a foreign country.

The flag of Andorra is styled after the tricolor flag of France but with the colors of the flag of Catalan. The flag features the Andorran coat of arms, which represents both the arms of the Bishop of Urgell and the Count of Foix. The country has a complicated history, and like many things in Europe, the system, while maybe seeming outdated, still works! It's steeped in symbolism and tradition, and the flag is a representation of that.

Holy See (Vatican City-State)

This is an interesting one. The flag of the world's smallest sovereign country and only elective theocratic absolute monarchy is also a symbol of Catholocism worldwide, and is often flown over Catholic churches and cathedrals around the world. Interestingly, the Vatican as a sovereign state is not a member of the United Nations, although the Holy See (the government of the Catholic Church) is.

The flag was adopted when the Vatican gained independence in 1929, but developed out of a much older flag used by the historical Papal States. It is one of only two flags of sovereign states in the world to be square (the other is Switzerland). The flag features the Papal Tiarra and the crossed Keys of Heaven, which represent the seat of St. Peter, the first pope.

Most Serene Republic of San Marino

The tiny microstate of San Marino is one of the smallest countries in the world, and holds the amazing distinction as the world's oldest continuing republic. The republic was established in 301, and stubbornly refused to be unified with other Italian republics. Today, it is the third-smallest country in Europe, the fifth-smallest country in the world, and one of the world's richest sovereign states. It is the only country in the world to have more cars than people!

The flag of San Marino depicts the "Three Towers", three historic towers that stand in the center of the capital. The towers are probably the most famous and iconic landmark in the country. What's more, the scroll beneath the crest reads "LIBERTAS", or "Liberty". Fitting for a country that has somehow maintained its independence for over 1700 years, despite its tiny size and population.

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Elegance, stately grace, and instant recognition. The Union Flag features the interlayed flags of England, Ireland, and Scotland (respectively, the crosses of St. George, St. Patrick, and St. Andrew) in a beaituful display of unity (Wales is sadly forgotten).

The Union Flag is easily the most recognizable flag across the globe. Besides its use in the UK, it appears as an element on the flags of 36 other sovereign countries, territories, and regions, including the flag of the US State of Hawaii!

The Flag of Europe (European Union and the Council of Europe)

For the fifth flag, I chose to feature the Flag of Europe, the official flag of the European Union. It's simple, symbolic, and elegant. The Flag of Europe already flies alongside national flags of EU members, and is quickly becoming one of the most recognizable flags in the world.

The ring of golden stars represents "glory and enlightenment" whilst the blue field represents "truth and intellect". The ring is symbolic of the Corona Borealis constellation, which has historically represented governmental rule and stability. It is also a symbol of the Stella Maris, a depiction of the Virgin Mary crowned by a ring of twelve stars, a connection made more powerful by the field of blue.

Come back for more flags tomorrow as we move on to Africa!