Fun flag facts (say that 5 times fast!) from flags around the world. In case some of you didn’t know, there is actually a lot of thought that goes into designing a country’s flag. Just ask America, we're on our 27th version of the Stars and Stripes! From symbols, to patterns, to shapes, and even down to the color purple (don’t worry, we’ll get there) there are so many things that go into what makes a flag important to their country.

#1 Nepal is the only flag in the world that doesn’t have 4 sides.

Interesting enough, out of all the countries in the world, Nepal is the only country that does not have a 4 sided flag. Instead, it looks like 2 triangles have been stacked right on top of each other. In 1962 it was officially made the flag of Nepal. It's always good to be different, right? 

#2 There are only 2 squared flags in the world! Can you guess?

Staying on the shape topic, these two flags may have 4 sides, but they are all of equal length - Switzerland and The Vatican City. Bonus fun fact: The Vatican City is in fact a country, and it's the smallest recognized country in the world!

#3 Most symbols on a flag have very specific meanings.

Another thing to note is that many of these symbols are universal. Not every flag has them but the ones that do, will normally show any of the following: sun, moon, stars, cross, triangles and squares. For example, Japan is known as the “Land of The Rising Sun”, and therefore has a circle in the middle of their flag

#4 The colors of the flag are often used to reference the history of the country.

You’ll notice that most of the flags of the world use similar colors, which are often the primary colors, red, blue and yellow, but there are some unique ones too! Here are a few examples of meanings:

• Red can be associated with bad things like blood lost in battle to keep ownership of a country or a symbol of bravery. Both suggest that the people have suffered throughout history so this is important to display on a country's flag.
• Blue often has a deeper meaning than sky or ocean, in many cases it symbolizes peace and freedom.
• Black isn’t commonly used, but when it is, it can be used to symbolize ethnic heritage, defeat of enemies or determination of a country.

#5 Purple is the rarest color found on a flag.

We told you we’d get there! Yes, out of all the flags around the world, you will only find the color purple on 2 of them! Those would be the flag of Nicaragua and the flag of Dominica. Why? Purple has been used to represent royalty or richness and throughout history has always been expensive and difficult to get a hold of.

6# Denmark has the oldest flag in the world!

The red background with a single white stripe through the middle horizontally, was first used in 1625 as the flag of Denmark and is still the same today. Although, it's believed that the design itself was created in 1219! Now that's what we call historical!