Religion in national symbols

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Religion in national symbols can often be found in national anthems or flags. This has led to controversy in some secular states in regard to the separation of church and state, when the national symbol is officially sanctioned by a government.[1]

Flags which incorporate symbols of religion

Buddhism

Flag Country Religious significance
File:Flag of Bhutan.svg Bhutan (flag) The orange half signifies Buddhist spiritual tradition[2]
File:Flag of Cambodia.svg Cambodia (flag) Angkor Wat,[3] a Hindu-Buddhist temple complex.
File:Flag of India.svg India (flag) The Ashoka Chakra represents the Laws of Dharma (righteousness).[4]
File:Flag of Myanmar.svg Myanmar (flag) The color saffron stands for Theravada Buddhism.
File:Flag of Singapore.svg Singapore (flag) The white half stands for Chinese Buddhism.
File:Flag of Sri Lanka.svg Sri Lanka (flag) The four Bodhi tree leaves symbolize four Buddhist metaphysical concepts.[5]
File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand (flag) The color white stands for Theravada Buddhism.[6]

Hinduism

Flag Country Religious significance
File:Flag of Nepal.svg Nepal (flag) Based on the Hindu traditional flags.

Christianity

Flag Country Religious significance
Armenia Armenia (flag) The color red emblematizes the maintenance of the Christian faith.[7]
Andorra Andorra (flag) Includes a bishop's mitre, representing the Bishop of Urgell.[8]
Australia Australia (flag) Crosses of St. George, St. Andrew and St. Patrick[9]
Cook Islands Cook Islands (flag) Crosses of St. George, St. Andrew and St. Patrick
Denmark Denmark (flag) Nordic Cross Flag[10]
Dominica Dominica (flag) The cross represents the Trinity[11]
Dominican Republic Dominican Republic (flag) A Bible, the color white stands for salvation[12]
El Salvador El Salvador (flag) Dios, Unión, Libertad (God, Union, Liberty)
Fiji Fiji (flag) Crosses of St. George, St. Andrew and St. Patrick, dove
Finland Finland (flag) Nordic Cross Flag[10]
Georgia (country) Georgia (flag) Jerusalem cross[13]
Greece Greece (flag) Greek cross symbolizes Greek Orthodoxy[14]
Iceland Iceland (flag) Nordic Cross Flag[10]
Republic of Ireland Ireland (flag) The green signifies the Roman Catholic majority. The orange signifies the Protestant minority.[15]
Liechtenstein Liechtenstein (flag) Christian cross[16]
Malta Malta (flag) George Cross[16]
Moldova Moldova (flag) Orthodox Cross[17]
Montenegro Montenegro (flag) Three crosses on the coat of arms[16]
Montserrat Montserrat (flag) The flag consists of an Irish figure Erin holding a Christian cross.
New Zealand New Zealand (flag) Crosses of St. George, St. Andrew and St. Patrick[16]
Niue Niue (flag) Crosses of St. George, St. Andrew and St. Patrick
Norway Norway (flag) Nordic Cross Flag[10]
Portugal Portugal (flag) Compound cross of five quinas, each one charged with five saltire-arranged bezants, representing the five wounds of Christ[18]
San Marino San Marino (flag) Cross[16]
Serbia Serbia (flag) Serbian cross symbolizes Serbian Orthodoxy[17]
Slovakia Slovakia (flag) Patriarchal cross[19]
Spain Spain (flag) Christian cross[16]
Sweden Sweden (flag) Nordic Cross Flag[10]
Switzerland Switzerland (flag) Greek cross[20]
Tonga Tonga (flag) Greek cross[21]
Tuvalu Tuvalu (flag) Crosses of St. George, St. Andrew and St. Patrick
United Kingdom United Kingdom (flag) Crosses of St. George, St. Andrew and St. Patrick[22]
Vatican City Vatican City (flag) The flag consists of two vertical bands, one of gold (hoist side) and one of white with the crossed keys of Saint Peter and the Papal Tiara centered in the white band

Islam

Flag Country Religious significance
Afghanistan Afghanistan (flag) Shahada[23]
Algeria Algeria (flag) Star and crescent, green color symbolizes Islam[24]
Azerbaijan Azerbaijan (flag) Green stands for Islam, the crescent moon is also an Islamic symbol[25]
Bahrain Bahrain (flag) Five points represent the Five Pillars of Islam[26]
Brunei Brunei (flag) Crescent moon[27]
Comoros Comoros (flag) Star and crescent and green color are traditional symbols of Islam[28]
Iran Iran (flag) The five parts of the emblem represent the Five Pillars of Islam, the shape of the emblem is a stylized form of the Arabic word "Allah" (ٱللَّٰهُ); text along the red and green bands reads "Allahu Akbar" ("God is Great")[29]
Iraq Iraq (flag) The phrase "Allahu Akbar" ("God is Great")[30]
Jordan Jordan (flag) The seven-pointed star represents the seven verses of the Quran's first sura[31]
Libya Libya (flag) Star and crescent represent Islam[32]
Malaysia Malaysia (flag) Crescent moon[33]
Maldives Maldives (flag) White crescent moon symbolizes Islam[34]
Mauritania Mauritania (flag) Star and crescent and green color symbolize Islam[35]
Morocco Morocco (flag) The green represents Islam. The pentagram's five points symbolize the five Pillars of Islam.[36]
Pakistan Pakistan (flag) Star and crescent symbolize Islam and the dark green field symbolizes the Muslim majority of Pakistan.[37]
Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia (flag) Shahada (Muslim creed) on green, a color represents Islam[38]
Senegal Senegal (flag) The green stripe and star represent Islam.[39][40]
Somaliland Somaliland (flag) Shahada (green may also represent Islam)
Sudan Sudan (flag) Green represents Islam.[41]
Tunisia Tunisia (flag) Star and crescent symbolize Islam
Turkey Turkey (flag) Star and crescent
Turkmenistan Turkmenistan (flag) Crescent moon (green may also represent Islam)
Uzbekistan Uzbekistan (flag) Crescent moon (green may also represent Islam), the word "Allah" ("God") from 12 stars

Judaism

Flag Country Religious significance
Israel Israel (flag) The basic design is based on a Jewish prayer shawl, the Star of David is a symbol of Judaism[42]

Traditional

Flag Country Religious significance
Argentina Argentina (flag) Sun of May's features are that of the Inca god Inti[43]
Japan Japan (flag) Red circle represents the sun goddess Amaterasu
South Korea South Korea (flag) Taegeuk symbol is associated with Taoism and traditional Korean Shamanism; I Ching trigrams.
Mexico Mexico (flag) Coat of arms symbolic of Aztec legend of Tenochtitlan, modern-day Mexico City[44]
Mongolia Mongolia (flag) Taijitu symbol of yin and yang is associated with Taoism and traditional Mongolian shamanism. The Sun, Moon and blue colour represent the eternal sky
Taiwan Taiwan (flag) The twelve rays of the white Sun symbolize the twelve months and the twelve traditional shichen (時辰; shíchén), periods of one-twelfth of a day used in Traditional Chinese timekeeping and astrology
Tajikistan Tajikistan (flag) The seven stars representing number seven in Tajik traditional legends, representing perfection and happiness while alluding to a traditional belief that the heavens feature seven mountains and seven orchard gardens with a star shining above each mountain.
Uruguay Uruguay (flag) Sun of May's features are that of the Inca god Inti[45]

National anthems which incorporate religion

National anthems which incorporate religion
Country National anthem Religion(s) mentioned
File:Flag of the Taliban.svg Afghanistan "Dā də bātorāno kor" (English: "This is the Home of the Brave") Islam
File:Flag of Antigua and Barbuda.svg Antigua and Barbuda "Fair Antigua, We Salute Thee" Christianity
File:Flag of Austria.svg Austria "Land der Berge, Land am Strome" (English: "Land of the Mountains, Land on the River") Christianity
File:Flag of Azerbaijan.svg Azerbaijan "Azərbaycan marşı" (English: "March of Azerbaijan") Islam
File:Flag of the Bahamas.svg Bahamas "March On, Bahamaland" Christianity
File:Flag of Bahrain.svg Bahrain "Bahrainona" (English: "Our Bahrain") Islam
File:Flag of Barbados.svg Barbados "In Plenty and In Time of Need" Christianity
File:Flag of Belarus.svg Belarus "My Belarusy" (English: "We Belarusians") Christianity
File:Flag of Belize.svg Belize "Land of the Free" Christianity
File:Flag of Bhutan.svg Bhutan "Druk tsendhen" (English: "The Thunder Dragon Kingdom") Buddhism
File:Flag of Bolivia.svg Bolivia "Himno Nacional de Bolivia" (English: "National Anthem of Bolivia") Christianity
File:Flag of Botswana.svg Botswana "Fatshe leno la Rona" (English: "Blessed Be This Noble Land") Christianity
File:Flag of Brunei.svg Brunei "Allah Peliharakan Sultan" (English: "God Bless the Sultan") Islam
File:Flag of Burundi.svg Burundi "Burundi Bwacu" (English: "Our Burundi") Christianity
File:Flag of Cambodia.svg Cambodia "Nokoreach" (English: "Royal Kingdom") Buddhism
File:Flag of Cameroon.svg Cameroon "Chant de Ralliement" (French: "The Rallying Song") Christianity
File:Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Canada "Ô Canada" (English: "O Canada") Christianity
File:Flag of Chad.svg Chad "La Tchadienne" (English: "Song of the Chadian") Islam
File:Flag of Chile.svg Chile "Himno Nacional de Chile" (English: "National Anthem of Chile") Christianity
File:Flag of Colombia.svg Colombia "Himno Nacional de la República de Colombia" (English: "National Anthem of the Republic of Colombia") Christianity
File:Flag of the Comoros.svg Comoros "Udzima wa ya Masiwa" (English: "The Union of the Great Islands") Islam
File:Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Czech Republic "Kde Domov Můj?" (English: "Where is my Home?") Christianity
File:Flag of Denmark.svg Denmark "Der er et Yndigt Land" (English: "There is a Lovely Country") Traditional
File:Flag of Djibouti.svg Djibouti "La Djiboutienne" (English: "The Djiboutian Song") Islam
File:Flag of Dominica.svg Dominica "Isle of Beauty, Isle of Splendour" Christianity
File:Flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.svg DR Congo "Debout Congolais" (English: "Arise Congolese") Christianity
File:Flag of Ecuador.svg Ecuador "Salve, Oh Patria" (English: "We Salute You, Our Homeland") Christianity
File:Flag of El Salvador.svg El Salvador "Himno Nacional de El Salvador" (English: "National Anthem of El Salvador") Christianity
File:Flag of Estonia.svg Estonia "Mu isamaa, mu õnn ja rõõm" (English: "My Fatherland, My Happiness and Joy") Christianity
File:Flag of Eswatini.svg Eswatini "Nkulunkulu Mnikati wetibusiso temaSwati" (English: "O Lord is our God, Swaziland") Christianity
File:Flag of Fiji.svg Fiji "God Bless Fiji" Christianity and Hinduism
File:Flag of France.svg France "La Marseillaise" (English: "The Song from Marseille") Christianity
File:Flag of The Gambia.svg Gambia "For The Gambia Our Homeland" Islam
File:Flag of Ghana.svg Ghana "God Bless Our Homeland Ghana" Christianity
File:Flag of Georgia.svg Georgia "Tavisupleba" (English: "Freedom") Christianity
File:Flag of Grenada.svg Grenada "Hail Grenada" Christianity
File:Flag of Guatemala.svg Guatemala "Himno Nacional de Guatemala" (English: "National Anthem of Guatemala") Christianity
File:Flag of Guyana.svg Guyana "Dear Land of Guyana, of Rivers and Plains" Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism
File:Flag of Haiti.svg Haiti "La Dessalinienne" (English: "The Dessalines Song")[lower-alpha 1] Christianity
File:Flag of Honduras.svg Honduras "Himno Nacional de Honduras" (English: "National Anthem of Honduras") Christianity
File:Flag of Hungary.svg Hungary "Himnusz" (English: "Anthem") Christianity
File:Flag of Iceland.svg Iceland "Lofsöngur" (English: "Hymn") Christianity and traditional
File:Flag of Indonesia.svg Indonesia "Indonesia Raya" (English: "Great Indonesia") Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism
File:Flag of Iran.svg Iran "Sorud-e Melli-e Iran" (English: "National Anthem of Iran") Islam
File:Flag of Israel.svg Israel "Hatikvah" (English: "The Hope") Judaism
File:Flag of Italy.svg Italy "Il Canto degli Italiani" (English: "The Song of the Italians") Christianity
File:Flag of Côte d'Ivoire.svg Ivory Coast "L'Abidjanaise" (English: "Song of Abidjan") Christianity and Islam
File:Flag of Jamaica.svg Jamaica "Jamaica, Land We Love" Christianity
File:Flag of Japan.svg Japan "Kimigayo" (English: "His Majesty's Reign") Buddhism and Shintoism
File:Flag of Jordan.svg Jordan "As-Salam al-Malaki al-Urduni" (English: "Peace to the King of Jordan") Islam
File:Flag of Kenya.svg Kenya "Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu" (English: "Oh God of All Creation") Christianity
File:Flag of Kiribati.svg Kiribati "Teirake Kaini Kiribati" (English: "Stand Up, Kiribati") Christianity
File:Flag of North Korea.svg North Korea "Aegukka" (English: "Patriotic Song") Buddhism
File:Flag of South Korea.svg South Korea "Aegukga" (English: "Patriotic Song") Christianity, Confucianism and Buddhism
File:Flag of Kuwait.svg Kuwait "Al-Nasheed Al-Watani" (English: "National Anthem") Islam
File:Flag of Latvia.svg Latvia "Dievs, svētī Latviju!" (English: "God, Bless Latvia!") Christianity
File:Flag of Lebanon.svg Lebanon "an-Našīd al-Waṭanī al-Lubnānī" (English: "Lebanese National Anthem") Christianity and Islam
File:Flag of Lesotho.svg Lesotho "Lesotho Fatse La Bontata Rona" (English: "Lesotho, Land of our Fathers") Christianity
File:Flag of Liberia.svg Liberia "All Hail, Liberia, Hail!" Christianity
File:Flag of Libya.svg Libya "Libya, Libya, Libya" Islam
File:Flag of Liechtenstein.svg Liechtenstein "Oben am jungen Rhein" (English: "Up above the young Rhine") Christianity
File:Flag of Luxembourg.svg Luxembourg "Ons Hemecht" (English: "Our Homeland") Christianity
File:Flag of Madagascar.svg Madagascar "Ry Tanindrazanay malala ô!" (English: "Oh, Our Beloved Father Land") Christianity and traditional
File:Flag of Malawi.svg Malawi "Mulungu dalitsa Malaŵi" (English: "O God bless our land of Malawi") Christianity
File:Flag of Maldives.svg Maldives "Gaumii Salaam" (English: "National Salute") Islam
File:Flag of Mali.svg Mali "Le Mali" (English: "Mali") Islam
File:Flag of Malta.svg Malta "L-Innu Malti" (English: "The Maltese Hymn") Christianity
File:Flag of the Marshall Islands.svg Marshall Islands "Forever Marshall Islands" Christianity
File:Flag of Mauritania.svg Mauritania "Nshyd Wtny Mwrytany" (English: "National Anthem of Mauritania") Islam
File:Flag of Mauritius.svg Mauritius "Motherland" Christianity and Hinduism
File:Flag of Mexico.svg Mexico "Himno Nacional Mexicano" (English: "Mexican National Anthem") Christianity
File:Flag of the Federated States of Micronesia.svg Micronesia "Patriots of Micronesia" Christianity
File:Flag of Monaco.svg Monaco "Hymne Monégasque" (English: "Monégasque Anthem") Christianity
File:Flag of Morocco.svg Morocco "An-Našīd aš-Šarīf" (English: "Cherifian Anthem") Islam
File:Flag of Nauru.svg Nauru "Nauru Bwiema" (English: "Nauru, our Homeland") Christianity
File:Flag of Nepal.svg   Nepal "Sayaun Thunga Phulka" (English: "We are Hundreds of Flowers") Buddhism and Hinduism
File:Flag of the Netherlands.svg Netherlands "Wilhelmus" (English: "William")[lower-alpha 2] Christianity
File:Flag of New Zealand.svg New Zealand "God Defend New Zealand and God Save the Queen" Christianity
File:Flag of Nigeria.svg Nigeria "Nigeria, We Hail Thee" Christianity and Islam
File:Flag of Norway.svg Norway "Ja, vi Elsker dette Landet" (English: "Yes, we Love this Country") Christianity
File:Flag of Oman.svg Oman "As-Salam as-Sultani" (English: "Song of the Sultanic Salute") Islam
File:Flag of Pakistan.svg Pakistan "Qaumī Tarāna" (English: "National Anthem") Islam
File:Flag of Palau.svg Palau "Belau Rekid" (English: "Our Palau") Christianity
File:Flag of Panama.svg Panama "Himno Istmeño" (English: "Hymn of the Isthmus") Christianity
File:Flag of Papua New Guinea.svg Papua New Guinea "O Arise, All You Sons" Christianity
File:Flag of Paraguay.svg Paraguay "Paraguayos, República o Muerte" (English: "Paraguayans, Republic or Death") Christianity
File:Flag of Peru.svg Peru "Himno Nacional del Perú" (English: "National Anthem of Peru") Christianity
File:Flag of Qatar.svg Qatar "As Salam al Amiri" (English: "Peace to the Amir") Islam
File:Flag of Rwanda.svg Rwanda "Rwanda Nziza" (English: "Beautiful Rwanda") Christianity
File:Flag of Romania.svg Romania "Deșteaptă-te, Române!" (English: "Awaken, Romanian!") Christianity
File:Flag of Russia.svg Russia "Gosudarstvenny Gimn Rossiyskoy Federatsi" (English: "State Anthem of the Russian Federation") Christianity
File:Flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis.svg Saint Kitts and Nevis "O Land of Beauty!" Christianity
File:Flag of Saint Lucia.svg Saint Lucia "Sons and Daughters of Saint Lucia" Christianity
File:Flag of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.svg Saint Vincent and the Grenadines "Saint Vincent Land so Beautiful Christianity
File:Flag of Samoa.svg Samoa "O Le Fu'a o Le Sa'olotoga o Samoa" (English: "The Banner of Freedom") Christianity
File:Flag of Saudi Arabia.svg Saudi Arabia "Aash Al Maleek" (English: "Long Live the King") Islam
File:Flag of Senegal.svg Senegal "Pincez tous vos koras, frappez les balafons" (English: "Everyone strum your koras, strike the balafons") Islam
File:Flag of Serbia.svg Serbia "Bože pravde" (English: "God of Justice") Christianity
File:Flag of Seychelles.svg Seychelles "Koste Seselwa" (English: "Join together all Seychellois") Christianity
File:Flag of Sierra Leone.svg Sierra Leone "High We Exalt Thee, Realm of the Free" Christianity and Islam
File:Flag of Slovakia.svg Slovakia "Nad Tatrou sa Blýska" (English: "Lightning over the Tatras") Christianity
File:Flag of Slovenia.svg Slovenia "Zdravljica" (English: "A Toast") Christianity
File:Flag of the Solomon Islands.svg Solomon Islands "God Save Our Solomon Islands" Christianity
File:Flag of Somalia.svg Somalia "Qolobaa Calankeed" (English: "Praise the Homeland") Islam
File:Flag of South Africa.svg South Africa "National Anthem of South Africa" Christianity
File:Flag of South Sudan.svg South Sudan "South Sudan Oyee!" Christianity
File:Flag of Sri Lanka.svg Sri Lanka "Sri Lanka Matha" (English: "Mother Sri Lanka") Buddhism
File:Flag of Sudan.svg Sudan "Nahnu Jund Allah Jund Al-watan" (English: "We are the Soldiers of God and of our Homeland") Islam
File:Flag of Suriname.svg Suriname "God zij met ons Suriname" (English: "God be with our Suriname") Christianity
File:Flag of Sweden.svg Sweden "Du gamla, Du fria" (English: "Thou ancient, Thou free")[lower-alpha 3] Christianity
File:Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg  Switzerland "Schweizerpsalm/Cantique Suisse/Salmo Svizzero/Psalm Svizzer" (English: "Swiss Psalm") Christianity
File:Flag of Syria.svg Syria "Humat ad-Diyar" (English: "Guardians of the Homeland")[lower-alpha 4] Islam
File:Flag of the Republic of China.svg Taiwan "Three Principles of the People" (English: "National Anthem of Taiwan") Confucianism
File:Flag of Tanzania.svg Tanzania "Mungu ibariki Afrika" (English: "God Bless Africa") Christianity and Islam
File:Flag of Togo (3-2).svg Togo "Salut à Toi, Pays de nos Aïeux" (English: "Hail to Thee, Land of our Forefathers") Christianity
File:Flag of Tonga.svg Tonga "Ko e fasi ʻo e tuʻi ʻo e ʻOtu Tonga" (English: "The Song of the King of the Tongan Islands") Christianity
File:Flag of Trinidad and Tobago.svg Trinidad and Tobago "Forged from the Love of Liberty" Christianity and Hinduism
File:Flag of Tunisia.svg Tunisia "Humat al-Hima" (English: "Defenders of the Homeland") Islam
File:Flag of Turkey.svg Turkey "İstiklâl Marşı" (English: "Independence March") Islam
File:Flag of Tuvalu.svg Tuvalu "Tuvalu mo te Atua" (English: "Tuvalu for the Almighty") Christianity
File:Flag of the United Arab Emirates.svg United Arab Emirates "Ishy Bilady" (English: "Long Live my Nation") Islam
File:Flag of Uganda.svg Uganda "Oh Uganda, Land of Beauty" Christianity
File:Flag of Uruguay.svg Uruguay "Himno Nacional de Uruguay" (English: "National Anthem of Uruguay") Christianity
File:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg United Kingdom "God Save the King" Christianity
File:Flag of the United States.svg United States "The Star-Spangled Banner"[lower-alpha 1] Christianity
File:Flag of Uzbekistan.svg Uzbekistan "O‘zbekiston Respublikasining Davlat Madhiyasi" (English: "National Anthem of Uzbekistan") Islam
File:Flag of Vanuatu.svg Vanuatu "Yumi, Yumi, Yumi" (English: "We, We, We") Christianity
File:Flag of Vatican City (2023–present).svg Vatican City "Inno e Marcia Pontificale" (English: "Hymn and Pontifical March") Christianity
File:Flag of Venezuela.svg Venezuela "Gloria al Bravo Pueblo" (English: "Glory to the Brave People") Christianity
File:Flag of Yemen.svg Yemen "Nashīd al-Yaman al-Watani" (English: "National Anthem of Yemen") Islam
File:Flag of Zambia.svg Zambia "Stand and Sing of Zambia, Proud and Free" Christianity
File:Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Zimbabwe "National Anthem of Zimbabwe" Christianity

Former national anthems

Former national anthems which incorporated religion
Country National anthem Religion(s) mentioned
File:Flag of Australia (converted).svg Australia, until 1984 "God Save the Queen" Christianity
File:Flag of Austria-Hungary (1867–1918).svg Austria-Hungary "Gott erhalte Franz den Kaiser" (English: "God Save Emperor Francis") Christianity
File:Flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina (1992–1998).svg Bosnia and Herzegovina, until 1998 "Jedna si jedina" (English: "You Are the One and Only") Christianity and Islam
File:Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Canada, until 1967 "God Save the Queen" Christianity
File:Flag of the Qing Dynasty (1889-1912).svg China "Gong Jin'ou" (English: "Cup of Solid Gold") Confucianism
File:Flag of Egypt (1952-1958).svg Egypt "Es Salaam el Gamhoury el Masry" (English: "Egyptian Republican Anthem") Christianity and Islam
File:Flag of Ethiopia (1897-1936; 1941-1974).svg Ethiopia "Ityopp'ya Hoy" (English: "Ethiopia, Be happy") Christianity
File:Flag of Hawaii (1896).svg Hawaii "He Mele Lahui Hawaii" (English: "Song of the Hawaiian Nation") Christianity
File:State flag of Iran (1964–1980).svg Iran "Sorude Melli" (English: "National Anthem") Christianity, Islam and Zoroastrianism
File:Flag of Iraq (1963-1991).svg Iraq, until 2003 "Ardh ul-Furatayn" (English: "Land of the Euphrates") Islam
File:Flag of Korea (1899).svg Korea "Daehan Jeguk Aegukga" (English: "Patriotic Hymn of the Great Korean Empire") Christianity, Confucianism and Buddhism
File:Flag of Laos (1952-1975).svg Laos "Pheng Xat Lao" (English: "Hymn of the Lao People") Buddhism
File:Flag of Libya (1977–2011).svg Libya "Allahu Akbar" (English: "God is Greatest") Islam
File:Flag of Manchukuo.svg Manchukuo "Mǎnzhōuguó jiàn guógē" (English: "Manchukuo Independence Song") Buddhism and Shinto
File:Flag of Montenegro (1905–1918).svg Montenegro "Ubavoj nam Crnoj Gori" (English: "To Our Beautiful Montenegro") Christianity
File:Flag of Namibia (WFB 2000).svg Namibia, until 1991 "Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika" (English: "Lord Bless Africa") Christianity
File:Flag of the Netherlands Antilles (1986–2010).svg Netherlands Antilles Untitled Christianity
File:Flag of the Netherlands.svg Netherlands, until 1932 "Wien Neêrlands Bloed" (English: "Those in whom Dutch blood") Christianity
File:Flag of the Dominion of Newfoundland.svg Newfoundland "Ode to Newfoundland" Christianity
File:Flag of Nigeria.svg Nigeria, until 2024 "Arise, O Compatriots" Christianity and Islam
File:Flag of the Orange Free State.svg Orange Free State "Volkslied van de Oranje Vrijstaat" (English: "National Anthem of the Orange Free State") Christianity
File:Flag of Portugal (1830–1910).svg Portugal "Hino da Carta" (English: "Hymn to the Charter") Christianity
File:Flag of Rhodesia (1968–1979).svg Rhodesia "Rise O Voices of Rhodesia" Christianity
File:Flag of Romania.svg Romania "Trăiască Regele" (English: "Long Live the King") Christianity
File:Flag of Russia.svg Russia "God Save The Tsar!" Christianity
File:Flag of Slovakia.svg Slovakia "Hej, Slováci" (English: "Hey, Slovaks") Christianity
File:Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg South Africa "Die Stem van Suid-Afrika" (English: "The Call of South Africa")[lower-alpha 1] Christianity
File:Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg South Africa, until 1957 "God bewaar ons Koningin" Christianity
File:Flag of South Africa.svg South Africa, until 1997 "Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika" (English: "Lord Bless Africa") Christianity
File:Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg  Switzerland, until 1961 "Rufst du, mein Vaterland" (English: "When you call, my Fatherland")[lower-alpha 5] Christianity
File:Flag of Tibet.svg Tibet "Gyallu" Buddhism
File:Flag of Transvaal.svg Transvaal "Volkslied van Transvaal" (English: "National Anthem of the Transvaal")[lower-alpha 6] Christianity
File:Flag of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies (1816).svg Two Sicilies "Inno al Re" (English: "Hymn to the King") Christianity
File:Flag of Upper Volta.svg Upper Volta "Hymne National Voltaïque" (English: "Voltan National Anthem") Christianity and Islam
File:Flag of Yugoslavia (1918–1943).svg Yugoslavia "Himna Kraljevine Jugoslavije" (English: "Hymn of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia) Christianity
File:Flag of Zambia (1964–1996).svg Zambia, until 1973 "Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika" (English: "Lord Bless Africa") Christianity
File:Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Zimbabwe, until 1994 "Ishe Komborera Africa" (English: "God Bless Africa") Christianity

Coat of arms which symbolize religion

Buddhism

Coat of arms Country Religious characteristics
File:Emblem of Bhutan.svg Bhutan (emblem) Druk, Lotus
File:Royal arms of Cambodia.svg Cambodia (coat of arms) Om
File:Emblem of India.svg India (emblem) Ashoka Chakra, Lion Capital of Ashoka
File:Coat of Arms of Indonesia Garuda Pancasila.svg Indonesia (coat of arms) Garuda
File:Emblem of Laos.svg Laos (emblem) Pha That Luang
File:State emblem of Mongolia.svg Mongolia (emblem) Dharmachakra, Ratnatraya, Wind Horse
File:State seal of Myanmar.svg Myanmar (state seal) Chinthe
File:Emblem of Sri Lanka.svg Sri Lanka (emblem) Dharmachakra, Lotus

Hinduism

Coat of arms Country Religious characteristics
File:Emblem of India.svg India (emblem) Satyameva Jayate
File:Coat of Arms of Indonesia Garuda Pancasila.svg Indonesia (coat of arms) Garuda
File:Emblem of Nepal.svg Nepal (emblem) Janani Janmabhumishcha Swargadapi Gariyasi
File:Garuda Emblem of Thailand.svg Thailand (emblem) Garuda

Christianity

Coat of arms Country Religious characteristics
File:Coat of arms of Andorra.svg Andorra (coat of arms) Includes a bishop's mitre, representing the Bishop of Urgell.
File:Coat of arms of Armenia.svg Armenia (coat of arms) Mount Ararat with Noah's Ark sitting atop it.
File:Coat of Arms of Australia.svg Australia (coat of arms) St George's Cross, Maltese cross
File:State Coat of Arms of Belgium.svg Belgium (coat of arms) A globus cruciger on top of the coat of arms as a Christian symbol of authority
File:Coat of arms of Bulgaria.svg Bulgaria (coat of arms) The crosses on the four crowns symbolize Bulgarian Orthodoxy
File:Royal Coat of Arms of Canada.svg Canada (coat of arms) Cross, A Mari Usque Ad Mare ('From Sea to Sea')
File:Lesser coat of arms of Cyprus.svg Cyprus (coat of arms) Dove
File:National Coat of arms of Denmark.svg Denmark (coat of arms) A globus cruciger on top of the coat of arms as a Christian symbol of authority; royal arms also has cross
File:Coat of arms of Dominica.svg Dominica (coat of arms) Cross, Apres Bondie C'est La Ter ('After God the Earth')
File:Coat of arms of the Dominican Republic.svg Dominican Republic (coat of arms) Cross, Bible, Dios, Patria, Libertad ('God, Fatherland, Liberty')
File:Coat of arms of El Salvador.svg El Salvador (coat of arms) Dios, Unión, Libertad (God, Union, Liberty)
File:Coat of arms of Fiji.svg Fiji (coat of arms) Cross, Rerevaka na kalou ka doka na Tui ('Fear God and honour the Queen'), dove
File:Greater coat of arms of Georgia.svg Georgia (coat of arms) St. George, Bolnisi cross, globus cruciger
File:Coat of arms of Grenada.svg Grenada (coat of arms) Cross, 'Ever Conscious of God we Aspire, Build and Advance as One People'
File:Coat of arms of Greece.svg Greece (coat of arms) Greek cross
File:Coat of arms of Hungary.svg Hungary (coat of arms) Patriarchal cross; cross on the distinctive Crown of Saint Stephen
File:Coat of arms of Iceland.svg Iceland (coat of arms) Nordic cross
File:Coat of arms of Jamaica.svg Jamaica (coat of arms) Cross
File:Coat of arms of Liechtenstein.svg Liechtenstein (coat of arms) A globus cruciger on top of the coat of arms as a Christian symbol of authority
File:Coat of arms of Lithuania.svg Lithuania (coat of arms) Patriarchal cross
File:Middle-Coat-of-Arms-of-Luxembourg.svg Luxembourg (coat of arms) A globus cruciger on top of the coat of arms as a Christian symbol of authority
File:Coat of arms of Malta.svg Malta (coat of arms) George Cross
File:Coat of arms of Moldova.svg Moldova (coat of arms) Cross
File:Coat of arms of Monaco.svg Monaco (coat of arms) Cross, Deo Juvante ('With God's Help')
File:Coat of arms of Montenegro.svg Montenegro (coat of arms) Cross, globus crucigers
File:Coat of arms of Nauru.svg Nauru (coat of arms) 'God's Will First'
File:Royal coat of arms of the Netherlands.svg Netherlands (coat of arms) A globus cruciger on top of the coat of arms as a Christian symbol of authority
File:Coat of arms of New Zealand.svg New Zealand (coat of arms) A globus cruciger on top of the coat of arms as a Christian symbol of authority
File:Coat of arms of Nigeria.svg Nigeria (coat of arms) 'Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress'
File:Coat of arms of Norway.svg Norway (coat of arms) A globus cruciger on top of the coat of arms as a Christian symbol of authority.

The Danish axe is a battle weapon from Middle Ages that represents St. Olaf, and thus the conversion of Norway to Christianity.

File:Coat of arms of Portugal.svg Portugal (coat of arms) Compound cross of five quinas, each one charged with five saltire-arranged bezants
File:Coat of arms of Romania.svg Romania (coat of arms) Cross
File:Coat of Arms of the Russian Federation.svg Russia (coat of arms) St. George, globus crucigers
File:Coat of arms of Samoa.svg Samoa (coat of arms) Faavae i Le Atua Samoa ('Samoa is founded on God'), cross
File:Coat of arms of San Marino.svg San Marino (coat of arms) A globus cruciger on top of the coat of arms as a Christian symbol of authority
File:Coat of arms of Serbia.svg Serbia (coat of arms) Serbian cross, globus cruciger
File:Coat of arms of Slovakia.svg Slovakia (coat of arms) Patriarchal cross
File:Coat of Arms of Spain.svg Spain (coat of arms) A globus cruciger on top of the coat of arms as a Christian symbol of authority
File:Great coat of arms of Sweden.svg Sweden (coat of arms) Cross, a globus cruciger on top of the coat of arms as a Christian symbol of authority
File:Coat of Arms of Switzerland (Pantone).svg Switzerland (coat of arms) Cross
File:Coat of arms of Tonga.svg Tonga (coat of arms) Cross, dove, Ko e ʻOtua mo Tonga ko hoku Tofiʻa ('God and Tonga are my inheritance')
File:Coat of arms of Tuvalu.svg Tuvalu (coat of arms) Tuvalu Mo Te Atua ('Tuvalu for the Almighty')
File:Coat of arms of Uganda.svg Uganda (coat of arms) For God and My Country
File:Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom (2022).svg United Kingdom (coat of arms) globus crucigers, 'Dieu et mon droit' ('God and my right'), and on Scottish version, 'In My Defens God Me Defend' (shortened to 'In Defens')
File:Great Seal of the United States (reverse).svg United States (seal reverse) Eye of Providence
File:Coat of arms of the Vatican City.svg Vatican City (coat of arms) The crossed keys of St. Peter and the Papal Tiara
File:Coat of arms of Vanuatu.svg Vanuatu (coat of arms) 'Long God yumi stanap' ('In God we stand')

Former

Coat of arms Country Religious characteristics
File:Imperial Coat of Arms of the Empire of Austria.svg Austria-Hungary (coat of arms) Globus crucigers, patriarchal cross
File:Coat of arms of Belarus (1991–1995).svg Belarus (coat of arms) Pahonia with a double cross
File:Imperial coat of arms of Ethiopia (Haile Selassie).svg Ethiopian Empire (coat of arms) Cross, globus cruciger, Lion of Judah, St. Michael, Gabriel, ኢትዮጵያ ታበፅዕ እደዊሃ ሃበ እግዚአብሐር ('Ethiopia Stretches Her Hands unto God'), ማዓ አንበሳ ዘአማነባደ ይሁዳ ('Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah')
File:Coat of arms of Georgia (1918–1921; 1990–2004).svg Georgia (coat of arms) St. George
File:Wappen Deutsches Reich - Reichsadler 1889.svg German Empire (coat of arms) A globus cruciger on top of the coat of arms as a Christian symbol of authority
File:Coat of arms of the Kingdom of Italy (1890).svg Kingdom of Italy (coat of arms) Cross, globus cruciger
File:Greater Coat of Arms of the Russian Empire.svg Russian Empire (coat of arms) Cross, St. George, St. Michael, Gabriel, 'Съ нами Богъ!' ('God is with us!')
File:Coat of arms of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.svg Kingdom of Yugoslavia (coat of arms) Globus cruciger, Serbian cross

Islam

Coat of arms Country Religious characteristics
Emblem of Afghanistan
Emblem of Afghanistan
Afghanistan (coat of arms) Shahadah, mosque, mehrab, Prayer rug
Algeria (coat of arms) Star and crescent
File:Coat of arms of Azerbaijan.svg Azerbaijan (coat of arms) Calligraphic representation of the name Allah in the form of an eternal flame, green
File:Coat of arms of Bahrain.svg Bahrain (coat of arms) five points represent the five pillars of Islam
File:Emblem of Brunei.svg Brunei (coat of arms) Crescent moon, الدائمون المحسنون بالهدى (Always in service with God's guidance)
File:Seal of the Comoros.svg Comoros (Seal) Star and crescent
File:Coat of Arms of Guinea.svg Guinea (coat of arms) Dove
File:Coat of arms of Iraq.svg Iraq (coat of arms) الله أكبر (God is Great)
File:Coat of arms of Jordan.svg Jordan (coat of arms) Its colours of the eagle signifies the banner of Muhammad, the globe signifies the emergence of Islamic civilisation, الراجي من الله التوفيق والعون (Who seeks support and guidance from God)
File:The emblem on the passport of Libya.svg Libya (coat of arms) Star and crescent
File:Coat of arms of Malaysia.svg Malaysia (coat of arms) Crescent moon
File:Emblem of Maldives.svg Maldives (Emblem) Star and crescent
File:Coat of arms of Mali.svg Mali (coat of arms) Great Mosque of Djenné, Un Peuple, Un But, Une Foi (One People, One Goal, One Faith)
File:Seal of Mauritania (2018).svg Mauritania (seal) Star and crescent, green
File:Coat of arms of Morocco.svg Morocco (coat of arms) إن تنصروا الله ينصركم (If you glorify God, he will glorify you)
File:State emblem of Pakistan.svg Pakistan (state emblem) ایمان ، اتحاد ، نظم (Faith, Unity, Discipline), Star and crescent, green
File:Coat of arms of Senegal.svg Senegal (coat of arms) Un Peuple, Un But, Une Foi (One People, One Goal, One Faith)
File:Coat of arms of Tunisia.svg Tunisia (coat of arms) Star and crescent
File:Emblem of Turkey.svg Turkey (coat of arms) Star and crescent
File:Emblem of Turkmenistan.svg Turkmenistan (emblem) Rub el Hizb, stars and crescent
File:Emblem of Uzbekistan.svg Uzbekistan (emblem) Rub el Hizb, star and crescent

Former

Coat of arms Country Religious characteristics
File:Coat of arms of Egypt (1922–1953).svg Kingdom of Egypt (coat of arms) stars and crescent
File:Coat of arms of the Ottoman Empire (1882–1922).svg Ottoman Empire (coat of arms) Quran, star and crescent, المستند بالتوفيقات الربانية ملك الدولة العثمانية (The Ottoman State relies on the guidance and assistance of the Almighty)

Judaism

Coat of arms Country Religious characteristics
File:Emblem of Israel.svg Israel (coat of arms) Menorah, blue

Traditional

Coat of arms Country Religious characteristics
File:Coat of arms of Argentina.svg Argentina (coat of arms) Sun of May
File:Emblem of South Korea.svg South Korea (emblem) Yin and yang
File:Coat of arms of Mexico.svg Mexico (coat of arms) Symbolizies the Aztec legend of Tenochtitlan, modern-day Mexico City[44]
File:Coat of arms of Uruguay.svg Uruguay (coat of arms) Sun of May

Former

Coat of arms Country Religious characteristics
File:Imperial Coat of Arms of Iran.svg Imperial State of Iran (coat of arms) Lion and Sun, Faravahar, Simurgh
File:Coat of arms of the Kingdom of Iraq (1921–1958).svg Kingdom of Iraq (coat of arms) Lion of Babylon

See also

Notes

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Specifically the fourth verse.
  2. Most of the verses contain a link to religion and the sixth verse is entirely devoted to God.
  3. No reference to Christianity in the original text, only in the unofficial and seldom sung extra verses suggested in 1910. References to Christianity do however exist in the royal anthem "Kungssången".
  4. Specifically the third and fourth verses.
  5. Specifically the German version.
  6. Specifically the third verse.

References

  1. "64 countries have religious symbols on their national flags". 25 November 2014.
  2. "First Schedule – The National Flag and the National Emblem of Bhutan" (PDF). The Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan. Government of Bhutan. 2008-07-18. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-06. Retrieved 2010-10-08.
  3. "Flag Description: Cambodia". World Factbook. CIA. Archived from the original on June 15, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
  4. Flags of the world: an illustrated guide to contemporary flags Alfred Znamierowski – 2000, ISBN 1-84215-337-4
  5. "The Sri Lankan Lion flag -how it came to be". Virtual Library Sri Lanka.
  6. "Flag Description: Thailand". World Factbook. CIA. Archived from the original on June 15, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
  7. "General Information on the government of Armenia's website". Gov.am. Retrieved 2014-02-02.
  8. Zartman, Rubin (2002). Power and Negotiation. University of Michigan Press. p. 111. ISBN 0472089072.
  9. Foley, Carol A. (1996). The Australian flag : colonial relic or contemporary icon?. Sydney: Federation Press. p. 18. ISBN 9781862871885.
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 Jeroen Temperman (2010). State Religion Relationships and Human Rights Law. Martinus Nijhoff Publishers. ISBN 978-9004181489. Retrieved 2007-12-31. Many predominantly Christian states show a cross, symbolising Christianity, on their national flag. Scandinavian crosses or Nordic crosses on the flags of the Nordic countries–Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden–also represent Christianity.
  11. "Flag Description: Dominica". World Factbook. CIA. Archived from the original on June 15, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
  12. "Flag Description: Dominican Republic". World Factbook. CIA. Archived from the original on June 15, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
  13. "The new flag of Georgia does not seem to be related with this historical banner. The flag of the National Movement was unknown ten years ago [1993] and was called 'the Georgian historical national flag' by the opposition leaders only after publications by the Georgian vexillologist I.L. Bichikashvili." Mikhail Revnivtsev, 25 November 2003 crwflags.com
  14. "Flag Description: Greece". World Factbook. CIA. Archived from the original on June 15, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
  15. Talocci, Mauro (1982). Guide to the Flags of the World. Morrow. p. 271. ISBN 0688011411.
  16. 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 16.5 "64 countries have religious symbols on their national flags". Pew Research. 25 November 2014. Retrieved 2014-12-25.
  17. 17.0 17.1 Temperman, Jeroen (2010). State-Religion Relationships and Human Rights Law: Towards a Right to Religiously Neutral Governance. Brill Academic. p. 88. ISBN 9789004181489. The cross on the flag of Dominica represents Christianity while the three colours of which the cross consists stand for the Trinity. The coat of arms depicted on the flag of Slovakia shows a double cross. The flag of the Dominican Republic represents Christianity while the three colours of which the cross consists stand for the Tinity. The coat of arms depicted on the flag of Slovakia shows a double cross. The flag of the Dominican Republic shows the words "God, Fatherland, Liberty", an opened bible and a cross (depicted in the coat of arms which is represented in the centre). The 'five-cross-flag' of George shows four small crosses and a large St. George's Cross, referring to the patron saint of Georgia (the national flag of England shows the St. George's Cross as well). The white cross on the flag of Greece symbolizes Greek Orthodoxy. The flag of Moldova shows its coat of arms in the centre: an eagle with a Christian Orthodox cross in its beak. The coat of arms of Serbia, as depicted on the national flag, also shows an Orthodox cross.
  18. "A Bandeira de Portugal". Portugal (in Portuguese). Criar Mundos. August 2005. Archived from the original on 2006-10-01. Retrieved 2007-02-19.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  19. "O štátnej vlajke, štátnej zástave, štátnom znaku a štátnej pečati". Joint Czech–Slovak Digital Parliamentary Library. Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic. June 1939. Retrieved 2013-06-23.
  20. Foley, Carol A. (1 January 1996). The Australian Flag. Federation Press. p. 10. ISBN 9781862871885. The Christian cross, for instance, is one of the oldest and most widely used symbols in the world, and many European countries, such as the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Greece and Switzerland, adopted and currently retain the Christian cross on their national flags.
  21. Smith, Whitney (24 November 2013). "Flag of Tonga". Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Retrieved 9 August 2014. (subscription required)
  22. "Union Jack". The Royal Household. Retrieved 2013-06-23.
  23. "Details".
  24. "Flag Description: Algeria". World Factbook. CIA. Archived from the original on June 15, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
  25. "Flag Description: Azerbaijan". World Factbook. CIA. Archived from the original on June 15, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
  26. "Flag Description: Bahrain". World Factbook. CIA. Archived from the original on June 15, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
  27. "Flag Description: Brunei". World Factbook. CIA. Archived from the original on June 15, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
  28. "Flag Description: Comoros". World Factbook. CIA. Archived from the original on June 15, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
  29. "Flag Description: Iran". World Factbook. CIA. Archived from the original on April 20, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
  30. "Flag Description: Iraq". World Factbook. CIA. Archived from the original on June 15, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
  31. "Flag Description: Jordan". World Factbook. CIA. Archived from the original on June 15, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
  32. "Flag of Libya - Description". Index Mundi. Retrieved March 23, 2015.
  33. "Flag Description: Malaysia". World Factbook. CIA. Archived from the original on June 15, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
  34. "Flag Description: Maldives". World Factbook. CIA. Archived from the original on June 15, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
  35. "Flag Description: Mauritania". World Factbook. CIA. Archived from the original on May 28, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
  36. "Moroccan Flag". Vexillology Matters. Retrieved March 24, 2015.
  37. "Pakistan Flag". Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Archived from the original on October 26, 2007. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
  38. "Flag Description: Saudi Arabia". World Factbook. CIA. Archived from the original on May 20, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
  39. "Senegal on Flagspot". Flagspot.net. Retrieved 2014-02-02.
  40. Philip, George and Son (December 26, 2002). Encyclopedic World Atlas. Oxford University Press. p. 198. ISBN 9780195219203. Retrieved May 24, 2013.
  41. World Flags 101. "Sudan Flag - World Flags 101". WorldFlags101.com. Moxy Media. Retrieved 2008-08-09.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  42. "Flag Description: Israel". World Factbook. CIA. Archived from the original on April 20, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
  43. "Flag Description: Argentina". World Factbook. CIA. Archived from the original on June 15, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
  44. 44.0 44.1 "Flag of Mexico". All-flags-world.com. Retrieved 2015-07-01.
  45. "Flag of Uruguay". All-flags-world.com. Retrieved 2014-02-02.