Is This a State Flag or a Country Flag?

By: Khadija Leon
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
Is This a State Flag or a Country Flag?
Image: Shutterstock

About This Quiz

"Whose broad stripes and bright stars..." If you're from the United States, you've probably sung these lyrics tons of times. From the national anthem, the Star-Spangled Banner, these words are used to describe the United States flag. While it's easy to identify the U.S. flag, can you pick out those of its 50 states? Even further, when given a picture, could you decide if it's a state flag or a country flag?

When looking at the United States flag, it tells a story of its history. The 13 stripes are for the original 13 colonies that became the first states of the Union. The 50 stars are meant to represent the 50 states that make up the country. What many might not realize is that each of the 50 states has its own flag that tells its own story. Could you compare these 50 flags to the 194 other national flags across the globe?

If given a red and white flag, could you decide whether it's for the U.S. state of Alabama or the country of Canada? Could you decide on the state of Texas or the country of Czech Republic when given a red, white, and blue flag with a similar pattern?

Between the United States and the United Nations, there are close to 250 flags to choose from. Can you identify if the picture is a state flag or a country flag?

There's only one way to find out! Will you be left flying high in the wind or will you get stuck in a nearby tree? Let's find out!

California
shutterstock
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Texas
California
The flag of California is also known as the Bear Flag, and it consists of a white background with a thin red horizontal band along the bottom, a brown grizzly bear in the center on a patch of green grass with the words “California Republic” written below, and a star in the top left corner.
Illinois
New York
Albania
Shutterstock
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Albania
The Albanian flag was adopted by the country on April 7, 1992. This flag displays a black, two-headed eagle in the center of a red background. The red represents bravery, valor, and strength, while the double-headed eagle stands for the sovereign state of Albania.
Cambodia
South Korea
Somalia
Flag of Isreal
n/a
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Iceland
Yemen
Isreal
The Israeli flag was introduced on October 28, 1948, five months following the country’s independence. It has a large blue Star of David on top of a white background, between two horizontal blue stripes.
Nambia

Advertisement

Illinois
shutterstock
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
North Carolina
Illinois
The state flag of Illinois includes the state seal at the center on a field of white with the word “Illinois” underneath the seal. The seal depicts an eagle holding a banner in its beak with the state motto: “State Sovereignty, National Union” written in bold letters beneath it.
Georgia
Miami
Moroccan Flag
Shutterstock
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Brazil
Canada
India
Morocco
The Moroccan flag is simple yet striking with a red background and a bright green pentagram in the center. The green five-pointed star shown on the national flag is known by the Moroccans as the Seal of Solomon.
Chinese Flag
n/a
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Argentina
Norway
Japan
China
Also called the Five-star Red Flag, the Chinese flag depicts five yellow stars on a red background. The larger star in the upper left corner symbolizes the Communist Party of China and the four smaller stars that angle on a curve to the right side of the big star symbolize the four social classes.

Advertisement

Brazil
shutterstock
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Australia
Ukraine
Brazil
Most well-known for world-class football, Carnaval and the Brazilian butt lift, this country’s flag was designed by Raimundo Teixerira Mendes. Its blue disc depicts a starry sky with a curved banner with the country’s motto written inside of it. The blue disc sits inside of an inverted yellow rhombus, all of which is on a light green background.
Mongolia
Texas
shutterstock
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Michigan
Texas
The great state of Texas is also known as the Lone Star State and its flag was first flown sometime around 1839. The blue symbolizes loyalty, the white is for purity, and the red stands for bravery. The lone star represents the unity of the state.
Montana
Idaho
Mexico
Shutterstock
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Mexico
The Mexican flag consists of three colors; green, white and red in equally vertical lines from hoist side onwards. In the middle white strip, you can find the country’s coat of arms, which is an eagle eating a rattlesnake while standing on a cactus plant.
Peru
France
Colombia

Advertisement

Milan, Italy
Shutterstock
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Malaysia
Paraguay
Italy
The Italian flag, is also known as II Tricolore in Italian and it has three stripes of red, white and green. The red and white were chosen by the Cispadane Republic and the green was chosen because it was the color of the Milanese civic guard uniform.
Chad
Nevada
shutterstock
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Hawaii
Nevada
Known as The Silver State, the Flag of Nevada was adopted March 26, 1929, and it has a Variant form of the state’s emblem located in the top left-hand corner on top of a cobalt blue background. Above the white star, you can find the words “Battle Born,” the state’s slogan.
Oklahoma
Wisconsin
Oregon
shutterstock
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Washington
Idiana
Vermont
Oregon
It isn't every day that you come across a two-sided flag, but in 1859, the state of Oregon adopted one. On one side you find the coat of arms from the state seal and on the other side, the state animal (a beaver) in gold.

Advertisement

Canada
Shutterstock
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Canada
Canada’s flag was designed by George F.G. Stanley, and features the iconic maple leaf on top of a white background flagged by two red stripes in a 1:2:1 ratio. The flag first made its appearance on February 15th, 1965, a date which is now celebrated annually as Canada’s National Flag Day.
Alaska
Arizona
Wyoming
Pakistani Flag
Shutterstock
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Egypt
Pakistan
The green of the Pakistani flag represents Islam, while the white stripe represents the religious minorities of the people. In the center of the flag, you will find a star and a crescent which symbolize the light and the progress that the country has made.
Guyana
Sri Lanka
Montana
shutterstock
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Kentucky
Montana
The flag of Montana was adopted by the state in July of 1981 and it features the seal of Montana in the middle of a sea of blue, below the name of the state. The seal itself has a plow, a shovel and a pick in front of the Great Falls of Missouri River.
Utah
Colorado

Advertisement

Trinidad and Tobago Flag
n/a
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Barbados
St. Lucia
Trinidad and Tobago
After gaining independence from the United Kingdom in 1962, the flag of these sister islands was designed by Carlisle Chang. The flag is red, white and black, with the red being the background and the white and black being diagonal bands from the top hoist side to the lower fly side.
Jamaica
Japan
shutterstock
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Japan
Officially called Nisshōki by many Japanese people, the flag has been said to live up to its name as 'the Land of the Rising Sun.' The rectangular flag consists of a white background with a large crimson-red circle in the center. The sun has always played an important role in Japanese religion and mythology as the Emperor is said to be a descendant of Amaterasu, the sun goddess.
Germany
Russia
India
Washington
shutterstock
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
New Mexico
Oregon
Idaho
Washington
The flag of the state of Washington is one of the simplest in the United States. It consists of the state seal, which is an image of George Washington, surrounded by a yellow/golden fringe with the words “The Seal of the State of Washington 1889” written inside of it.

Advertisement

Venezuelan Flag
Shutterstock
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
The Bahamas
Venezuela
The most recent Venezuelan flag was adopted in 2006 and consists of 3 colors (yellow, blue, and red) in descending horizontal order. In the central blue band, there are seven to eight stars in an arch, and in the upper hoist side, you can find the seal of the country.
Angola
Zambia
Ukraine Flag
Shutterstock
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Ireland
Madagascar
India
Ukraine
The Ukrainian flag is one of the simplest flags in the world as it only consists of two equally horizontal stripes, the top band in blue and the bottom one in yellow. The blue color is meant to symbolize the nation’s sky, streams and mountains, while the yellow represents its fields of wheat.
Thailand Flag
n/a
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Nepal
Thailand
Designed by King Vajiravudh, the flag of Thailand consists of three colors; red, white and blue in a ratio of 1:1:2:1:1 in alternating colors. A variation of the flag includes a white elephant in regalia in the center in a red disc.
North Korea
New Zealand

Advertisement

Alaska
shutterstock
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Alaska
The Alaskan flag was adopted in 1959 and features a blue background which represents the sky, sea and lakes of Alaska, with eight gold stars, seven of which are in the shape of the Ursa Major, the constellation. The other is meant to represent the North Star.
North Dakota
Missouri
Oklahoma
Switzerland
n/a
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Guyana
Norway
Finland
Switzerland
Unlike many flags which are rectangular, the flag of Switzerland is square in shape and consists of a red background with a large white cross located in the center. The red of the flag is said to represent the blood that was spilled to uphold their faith, while the white symbolizes Christianity.
Icelandic Flag
Shutterstock
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Sri Lanka
Iceland
Inspired by the flag of Denmark, the flag of Iceland was designed by Mathias Poroarson and consists of blue, red and white. There is a red cross which sits on top of a wider white cross that sits over a blue background.
Botswana
Argentina

Advertisement

Colorado
shutterstock
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Iowa
Texas
Colorado
Designed by Andrew Carlisle Carson in the early 1900’s, the state flag of Colorado features three equally horizontal stripes of blue, white, blue with a circular red “C” which is filled with a gold disc. The blue is meant to represent the skies, the gold – the gold rush of the 1800’s, the red – the color of the Earth, and the white represents the state's snowy mountains.
Florida
Turkey
shutterstock
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Congo
Romania
Turkey
The flag of Turkey is called Al Bayrak and it features a white star and crescent moon on top of a red background. The Turkish flag was adopted in the 18th century, and it is an exact replica of the late Ottoman flag.
France
UK
Shutterstock
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
United Kingdom
Known as the Union Jack or Union Flag, this flag is a combination of three older flags, the red cross of England, the white saltire of Scotland and the red saltire of Ireland. Not only is it flown across the United Kingdom, it can also be seen on many of its Commonwealth realms flags.
Philippines
Angola
Zaire

Advertisement

Kenya
shutterstock
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Italy
Kenya
The flag of Kenya was adopted in December of 1963 and consists of black, red and green horizontal stripes with a very thin line of white between each color. In the center of the flag, there is a black, red and white Massai shield, sitting on top of two crossed white spears.
China
Pakistan
Georgia
Shutterstock
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Kentucky
Michigan
Georgia
The official name of this flag is Georgia Stars and Bar. It consists of three horizontal stripes in a red-white-red pattern. In the top hoist corner, you will find the state’s coat of arms in gold, encircled by 13 white stars on top of a blue background.
Indiana
Romanian Flag
Shutterstock
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Iraq
Tanzania
Ecuador
Romania
The flag of Romania consists of three vertical stripes of cobalt blue, chrome yellow and vermilion red, beginning from the flagpole. The flag is often confused with the Colombian and Andorran flags as it has very similar colors.

Advertisement

Pennsylvania
shutterstock
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Colorado
Pennsylvania
Unlike many flags, the state flag of Pennsylvania is more like a square than the standard rectangle. It comprises of the state’s coat of arms on top of a field of navy blue. On each side of the coat of arms, there are two identical black horses. There is also an eagle on top of the seal.
Arizona
Utah
Columbia Flag
Shutterstock
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Colombia
The Colombian flag features three horizontal colors of yellow, blue and red in descending order and a 2:1:1 ratio. The yellow of the flag represents the country’s wealth, while the blue represents its seas and rivers, and the red is for the blood that was spilled in order for the country to gain its independence.
Canada
The Maldives
Gabon
Portugal Flag
Shutterstock
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Brazil
Afganistan
Portugal
The Portuguese flag is red and green in a 2:3 ratio, with the green on the hoist side, and the red on the fly. It also features a much smaller version of the country’s coat of arms which was placed at the intersection of where the red and green colors meet.
South Sudan

Advertisement

Vermont
shutterstock
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Maine
Vermont
There are quite a few variations on the state flag of Vermont but the most popular one was adopted almost 100 years ago. The current one features the state’s coat of arms and motto on top of a dark blue background.
Rhode Island
Connecticut
Nigeria
shutterstock
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Nigeria
The Nigerian flag was first flown on October 1, 1960, when the country gained independence from the United Kingdom. The flag consists of three stripes, one white flanked by two green which represents peace and the country’s natural wealth respectively.
America
Paraguay
Romania
India
shutterstock
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Canada
Mexico
India
Adopted in the 1900s, the flag of Florida was last edited in May of 1985. Like many other state flags, the state seal is the focus of the flag. This one is seen in the center over a white background with a red saltire cross.
Peru

Advertisement

Florida
shutterstock
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Nevada
Colorado
California
Florida
Adopted in the 1900s, the flag of Florida was last modified in May of 1985. Like many other state flags, the state seal is the focus of the flag, and this one is seen in the center over a white background with a red saltire cross.
Russian Flag
Shutterstock
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Paraguay
Libya
Mongolia
Russia
With over 25 different red, white and blue flags, it can be very easy to get them mixed up, especially the French, Netherlands and the Russian flags. The design itself is quite simple and consists of three horizontal stripes of white, red and blue in descending order.
Egypt
shutterstock
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Bolivia
Egypt
The Egyptian flag consists of three equally horizontal stripes of red, white and black in descending order. In the middle of the white band, you will find the country’s emblem (the Eagle of Saladin) in a gold outline.
Canada
Mexico

Advertisement

Australia
shutterstock
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Australia
The Australian flag is mostly royal blue with a British flag in the top hoist corner. It also has a seven-pointed star (known as the Commonwealth Star) below the Union Jack. On the other half of the flag, there are five seven-pointed stars which represent the Southern Cross.
Uganda
Morocco
Turkey
Greece
Louisiana
shutterstock
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Wyoming
Arizona
Louisiana
The state flag of Louisiana features the “pelican in her piety” on top of a navy blue background. The large pelican is seen wounding her bosom in an attempt to feed her three chicks. The mother pelican is also seen spreading out her wings as she covers her chicks in the nest below.
Hawaii
France Hero
Shutterstock
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Sri Lanka
Oman
France
Often confused with the Russian flag because they both share the same colors, blue, white and red. While the French flag has vertical stripes, the Russian flag's stripes are horizontal. The blue and red are said to represent the bourgeoisie while the white represents the nobility.
Morocco

Advertisement

Spanish Flag Hero
n/a
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Spain
The Spanish flag was originally designed by Antonio Valdes y Bazan, a Spanish Naval officer. It consists of three stripes of red, yellow and red in a ratio of 1:2:1. In the yellow section, it has the country’s coat of arms just a little off center.
India
China
Angola
Ghana flag
Shutterstock
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Canada
Mexico
Ghana
Ghana’s flag, like many other African countries, has the colors red, green and yellow, with a black star in the center. First flown in 1962, the red symbolizes the blood of those who died fighting for independence, the gold represents the number of minerals the country possesses, and the green represents the country’s vast amount of forestry.
Brazil
Massachusetts
shutterstock
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
California
New York
Florida
Massachusetts
The state flag of Massachusetts is very simple. It has the state’s seal on top of a white background. The seal, however, is very unique as it is a blue shield with the Native American, Massachuset, holding a bow and arrow.

Advertisement

South Africa Flag
n/a
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Ecuador
Mexico
Portugal
South Africa
The flag of South Africa is one of the most beautiful in the world. Adopted in 1994, at the beginning of the country’s general election, the flag has six colors, red, white, green, gold, black and blue, each of which has its own meaning.
Germany
Shutterstock / canadastock
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Jamaica
Germany
This multicolored flag was adopted in 1994 and was later modified in 1999. Although it has many variations, the most popular consists of three colors; black, red and gold (or yellow) in descending order.
Gabon
America
Nebraska
shutterstock
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Nebraska
The state flag of Nebraska is very simple compared to many of the other states. It features the state seal in yellow on top of a blue background. The seal features the Rocky Mountains next to a steamboat on the Missouri river, with the motto ‘Equality before the law’ written on top of it.
Tennessee
Iowa
Arkansas

Advertisement

Wyoming
shutterstock
Which of these states or countries does this flag belong to?
Virginia
Kansas
Alabama
Wyoming
The flag of Wyoming is one of the most unique in all of the U.S. states. It has a blue square background bordered by a white and red rectangle. In the center of the background, there is a white silhouette of an American Bison with the state seal on top of it.
You Got:
/49
Shutterstock