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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 |
|---|---|---|
| Bhutan (flag) | The orange half signifies Buddhist spiritual tradition[2] | |
| Cambodia (flag) | Angkor Wat,[3] a Hindu-Buddhist temple complex. | |
| India (flag) | The Ashoka Chakra represents the Laws of Dharma (righteousness).[4] | |
| Myanmar (flag) | The color saffron stands for Theravada Buddhism. | |
| Singapore (flag) | The white half stands for Chinese Buddhism. | |
| Sri Lanka (flag) | The four Bodhi tree leaves symbolize four Buddhist metaphysical concepts.[5] | |
| Thailand (flag) | The color white stands for Theravada Buddhism.[6] |
Hinduism
| Flag | Country | Religious significance |
|---|---|---|
| Nepal (flag) | Based on the Hindu traditional flags. |
Christianity
Islam
| Flag | Country | Religious significance |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan (flag) | Shahada[23] | |
| Algeria (flag) | Star and crescent, green color symbolizes Islam[24] | |
| Azerbaijan (flag) | Green stands for Islam, the crescent moon is also an Islamic symbol[25] | |
| Bahrain (flag) | Five points represent the Five Pillars of Islam[26] | |
| Brunei (flag) | Crescent moon[27] | |
| Comoros (flag) | Star and crescent and green color are traditional symbols of Islam[28] | |
| 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 (flag) | The phrase "Allahu Akbar" ("God is Great")[30] | |
| Jordan (flag) | The seven-pointed star represents the seven verses of the Quran's first sura[31] | |
| Libya (flag) | Star and crescent represent Islam[32] | |
| Malaysia (flag) | Crescent moon[33] | |
| Maldives (flag) | White crescent moon symbolizes Islam[34] | |
| Mauritania (flag) | Star and crescent and green color symbolize Islam[35] | |
| Morocco (flag) | The green represents Islam. The pentagram's five points symbolize the five Pillars of Islam.[36] | |
| Pakistan (flag) | Star and crescent symbolize Islam and the dark green field symbolizes the Muslim majority of Pakistan.[37] | |
| Saudi Arabia (flag) | Shahada (Muslim creed) on green, a color represents Islam[38] | |
| Senegal (flag) | The green stripe and star represent Islam.[39][40] | |
| Somaliland (flag) | Shahada (green may also represent Islam) | |
| Sudan (flag) | Green represents Islam.[41] | |
| Tunisia (flag) | Star and crescent symbolize Islam | |
| Turkey (flag) | Star and crescent | |
| Turkmenistan (flag) | Crescent moon (green may also represent Islam) | |
| Uzbekistan (flag) | Crescent moon (green may also represent Islam), the word "Allah" ("God") from 12 stars |
Judaism
| Flag | Country | Religious significance |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (flag) | Sun of May's features are that of the Inca god Inti[43] | |
| Japan (flag) | Red circle represents the sun goddess Amaterasu | |
| South Korea (flag) | Taegeuk symbol is associated with Taoism and traditional Korean Shamanism; I Ching trigrams. | |
| Mexico (flag) | Coat of arms symbolic of Aztec legend of Tenochtitlan, modern-day Mexico City[44] | |
| 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 (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 (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 (flag) | Sun of May's features are that of the Inca god Inti[45] |
National anthems which incorporate religion
| Country | National anthem | Religion(s) mentioned |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | "Dā də bātorāno kor" (English: "This is the Home of the Brave") | Islam |
| Antigua and Barbuda | "Fair Antigua, We Salute Thee" | Christianity |
| Austria | "Land der Berge, Land am Strome" (English: "Land of the Mountains, Land on the River") | Christianity |
| Azerbaijan | "Azərbaycan marşı" (English: "March of Azerbaijan") | Islam |
| Bahamas | "March On, Bahamaland" | Christianity |
| Bahrain | "Bahrainona" (English: "Our Bahrain") | Islam |
| Barbados | "In Plenty and In Time of Need" | Christianity |
| Belarus | "My Belarusy" (English: "We Belarusians") | Christianity |
| Belize | "Land of the Free" | Christianity |
| Bhutan | "Druk tsendhen" (English: "The Thunder Dragon Kingdom") | Buddhism |
| Bolivia | "Himno Nacional de Bolivia" (English: "National Anthem of Bolivia") | Christianity |
| Botswana | "Fatshe leno la Rona" (English: "Blessed Be This Noble Land") | Christianity |
| Brunei | "Allah Peliharakan Sultan" (English: "God Bless the Sultan") | Islam |
| Burundi | "Burundi Bwacu" (English: "Our Burundi") | Christianity |
| Cambodia | "Nokoreach" (English: "Royal Kingdom") | Buddhism |
| Cameroon | "Chant de Ralliement" (French: "The Rallying Song") | Christianity |
| Canada | "Ô Canada" (English: "O Canada") | Christianity |
| Chad | "La Tchadienne" (English: "Song of the Chadian") | Islam |
| Chile | "Himno Nacional de Chile" (English: "National Anthem of Chile") | Christianity |
| Colombia | "Himno Nacional de la República de Colombia" (English: "National Anthem of the Republic of Colombia") | Christianity |
| Comoros | "Udzima wa ya Masiwa" (English: "The Union of the Great Islands") | Islam |
| Czech Republic | "Kde Domov Můj?" (English: "Where is my Home?") | Christianity |
| Denmark | "Der er et Yndigt Land" (English: "There is a Lovely Country") | Traditional |
| Djibouti | "La Djiboutienne" (English: "The Djiboutian Song") | Islam |
| Dominica | "Isle of Beauty, Isle of Splendour" | Christianity |
| DR Congo | "Debout Congolais" (English: "Arise Congolese") | Christianity |
| Ecuador | "Salve, Oh Patria" (English: "We Salute You, Our Homeland") | Christianity |
| El Salvador | "Himno Nacional de El Salvador" (English: "National Anthem of El Salvador") | Christianity |
| Estonia | "Mu isamaa, mu õnn ja rõõm" (English: "My Fatherland, My Happiness and Joy") | Christianity |
| Eswatini | "Nkulunkulu Mnikati wetibusiso temaSwati" (English: "O Lord is our God, Swaziland") | Christianity |
| Fiji | "God Bless Fiji" | Christianity and Hinduism |
| France | "La Marseillaise" (English: "The Song from Marseille") | Christianity |
| Gambia | "For The Gambia Our Homeland" | Islam |
| Ghana | "God Bless Our Homeland Ghana" | Christianity |
| Georgia | "Tavisupleba" (English: "Freedom") | Christianity |
| Grenada | "Hail Grenada" | Christianity |
| Guatemala | "Himno Nacional de Guatemala" (English: "National Anthem of Guatemala") | Christianity |
| Guyana | "Dear Land of Guyana, of Rivers and Plains" | Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism |
| Haiti | "La Dessalinienne" (English: "The Dessalines Song")[a] | Christianity |
| Honduras | "Himno Nacional de Honduras" (English: "National Anthem of Honduras") | Christianity |
| Hungary | "Himnusz" (English: "Anthem") | Christianity |
| Iceland | "Lofsöngur" (English: "Hymn") | Christianity and traditional |
| Indonesia | "Indonesia Raya" (English: "Great Indonesia") | Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism |
| Iran | "Sorud-e Melli-e Iran" (English: "National Anthem of Iran") | Islam |
| Israel | "Hatikvah" (English: "The Hope") | Judaism |
| Italy | "Il Canto degli Italiani" (English: "The Song of the Italians") | Christianity |
| Ivory Coast | "L'Abidjanaise" (English: "Song of Abidjan") | Christianity and Islam |
| Jamaica | "Jamaica, Land We Love" | Christianity |
| Japan | "Kimigayo" (English: "His Majesty's Reign") | Buddhism and Shintoism |
| Jordan | "As-Salam al-Malaki al-Urduni" (English: "Peace to the King of Jordan") | Islam |
| Kenya | "Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu" (English: "Oh God of All Creation") | Christianity |
| Kiribati | "Teirake Kaini Kiribati" (English: "Stand Up, Kiribati") | Christianity |
| North Korea | "Aegukka" (English: "Patriotic Song") | Buddhism |
| South Korea | "Aegukga" (English: "Patriotic Song") | Christianity, Confucianism and Buddhism |
| Kuwait | "Al-Nasheed Al-Watani" (English: "National Anthem") | Islam |
| Latvia | "Dievs, svētī Latviju!" (English: "God, Bless Latvia!") | Christianity |
| Lebanon | "an-Našīd al-Waṭanī al-Lubnānī" (English: "Lebanese National Anthem") | Christianity and Islam |
| Lesotho | "Lesotho Fatse La Bontata Rona" (English: "Lesotho, Land of our Fathers") | Christianity |
| Liberia | "All Hail, Liberia, Hail!" | Christianity |
| Libya | "Libya, Libya, Libya" | Islam |
| Liechtenstein | "Oben am jungen Rhein" (English: "Up above the young Rhine") | Christianity |
| Luxembourg | "Ons Hemecht" (English: "Our Homeland") | Christianity |
| Madagascar | "Ry Tanindrazanay malala ô!" (English: "Oh, Our Beloved Father Land") | Christianity and traditional |
| Malawi | "Mulungu dalitsa Malaŵi" (English: "O God bless our land of Malawi") | Christianity |
| Maldives | "Gaumii Salaam" (English: "National Salute") | Islam |
| Mali | "Le Mali" (English: "Mali") | Islam |
| Malta | "L-Innu Malti" (English: "The Maltese Hymn") | Christianity |
| Marshall Islands | "Forever Marshall Islands" | Christianity |
| Mauritania | "Nshyd Wtny Mwrytany" (English: "National Anthem of Mauritania") | Islam |
| Mauritius | "Motherland" | Christianity and Hinduism |
| Mexico | "Himno Nacional Mexicano" (English: "Mexican National Anthem") | Christianity |
| Micronesia | "Patriots of Micronesia" | Christianity |
| Monaco | "Hymne Monégasque" (English: "Monégasque Anthem") | Christianity |
| Morocco | "An-Našīd aš-Šarīf" (English: "Cherifian Anthem") | Islam |
| Nauru | "Nauru Bwiema" (English: "Nauru, our Homeland") | Christianity |
| Nepal | "Sayaun Thunga Phulka" (English: "We are Hundreds of Flowers") | Buddhism and Hinduism |
| Netherlands | "Wilhelmus" (English: "William")[b] | Christianity |
| New Zealand | "God Defend New Zealand and God Save the Queen" | Christianity |
| Nigeria | "Nigeria, We Hail Thee" | Christianity and Islam |
| Norway | "Ja, vi Elsker dette Landet" (English: "Yes, we Love this Country") | Christianity |
| Oman | "As-Salam as-Sultani" (English: "Song of the Sultanic Salute") | Islam |
| Pakistan | "Qaumī Tarāna" (English: "National Anthem") | Islam |
| Palau | "Belau Rekid" (English: "Our Palau") | Christianity |
| Panama | "Himno Istmeño" (English: "Hymn of the Isthmus") | Christianity |
| Papua New Guinea | "O Arise, All You Sons" | Christianity |
| Paraguay | "Paraguayos, República o Muerte" (English: "Paraguayans, Republic or Death") | Christianity |
| Peru | "Himno Nacional del Perú" (English: "National Anthem of Peru") | Christianity |
| Qatar | "As Salam al Amiri" (English: "Peace to the Amir") | Islam |
| Rwanda | "Rwanda Nziza" (English: "Beautiful Rwanda") | Christianity |
| Romania | "Deșteaptă-te, Române!" (English: "Awaken, Romanian!") | Christianity |
| Russia | "Gosudarstvenny Gimn Rossiyskoy Federatsi" (English: "State Anthem of the Russian Federation") | Christianity |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | "O Land of Beauty!" | Christianity |
| Saint Lucia | "Sons and Daughters of Saint Lucia" | Christianity |
| Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | "Saint Vincent Land so Beautiful | Christianity |
| Samoa | "O Le Fu'a o Le Sa'olotoga o Samoa" (English: "The Banner of Freedom") | Christianity |
| Saudi Arabia | "Aash Al Maleek" (English: "Long Live the King") | Islam |
| Senegal | "Pincez tous vos koras, frappez les balafons" (English: "Everyone strum your koras, strike the balafons") | Islam |
| Serbia | "Bože pravde" (English: "God of Justice") | Christianity |
| Seychelles | "Koste Seselwa" (English: "Join together all Seychellois") | Christianity |
| Sierra Leone | "High We Exalt Thee, Realm of the Free" | Christianity and Islam |
| Slovakia | "Nad Tatrou sa Blýska" (English: "Lightning over the Tatras") | Christianity |
| Slovenia | "Zdravljica" (English: "A Toast") | Christianity |
| Solomon Islands | "God Save Our Solomon Islands" | Christianity |
| Somalia | "Qolobaa Calankeed" (English: "Praise the Homeland") | Islam |
| South Africa | "National Anthem of South Africa" | Christianity |
| South Sudan | "South Sudan Oyee!" | Christianity |
| Sri Lanka | "Sri Lanka Matha" (English: "Mother Sri Lanka") | Buddhism |
| Sudan | "Nahnu Jund Allah Jund Al-watan" (English: "We are the Soldiers of God and of our Homeland") | Islam |
| Suriname | "God zij met ons Suriname" (English: "God be with our Suriname") | Christianity |
| Sweden | "Du gamla, Du fria" (English: "Thou ancient, Thou free")[c] | Christianity |
| Switzerland | "Schweizerpsalm/Cantique Suisse/Salmo Svizzero/Psalm Svizzer" (English: "Swiss Psalm") | Christianity |
| Syria | "Humat ad-Diyar" (English: "Guardians of the Homeland")[d] | Islam |
| Taiwan | "Three Principles of the People" (English: "National Anthem of Taiwan") | Confucianism |
| Tanzania | "Mungu ibariki Afrika" (English: "God Bless Africa") | Christianity and Islam |
| Togo | "Salut à Toi, Pays de nos Aïeux" (English: "Hail to Thee, Land of our Forefathers") | Christianity |
| Tonga | "Ko e fasi ʻo e tuʻi ʻo e ʻOtu Tonga" (English: "The Song of the King of the Tongan Islands") | Christianity |
| Trinidad and Tobago | "Forged from the Love of Liberty" | Christianity and Hinduism |
| Tunisia | "Humat al-Hima" (English: "Defenders of the Homeland") | Islam |
| Turkey | "İstiklâl Marşı" (English: "Independence March") | Islam |
| Tuvalu | "Tuvalu mo te Atua" (English: "Tuvalu for the Almighty") | Christianity |
| United Arab Emirates | "Ishy Bilady" (English: "Long Live my Nation") | Islam |
| Uganda | "Oh Uganda, Land of Beauty" | Christianity |
| Uruguay | "Himno Nacional de Uruguay" (English: "National Anthem of Uruguay") | Christianity |
| United Kingdom | "God Save the King" | Christianity |
| United States | "The Star-Spangled Banner"[a] | Christianity |
| Uzbekistan | "O‘zbekiston Respublikasining Davlat Madhiyasi" (English: "National Anthem of Uzbekistan") | Islam |
| Vanuatu | "Yumi, Yumi, Yumi" (English: "We, We, We") | Christianity |
| Vatican City | "Inno e Marcia Pontificale" (English: "Hymn and Pontifical March") | Christianity |
| Venezuela | "Gloria al Bravo Pueblo" (English: "Glory to the Brave People") | Christianity |
| Yemen | "Nashīd al-Yaman al-Watani" (English: "National Anthem of Yemen") | Islam |
| Zambia | "Stand and Sing of Zambia, Proud and Free" | Christianity |
| Zimbabwe | "National Anthem of Zimbabwe" | Christianity |
Former national anthems
| Former national anthems which incorporated religion | ||
|---|---|---|
| Country | National anthem | Religion(s) mentioned |
| Australia, until 1984 | "God Save the Queen" | Christianity |
| Austria-Hungary | "Gott erhalte Franz den Kaiser" (English: "God Save Emperor Francis") | Christianity |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina, until 1998 | "Jedna si jedina" (English: "You Are the One and Only") | Christianity and Islam |
| Canada, until 1967 | "God Save the Queen" | Christianity |
| China | "Gong Jin'ou" (English: "Cup of Solid Gold") | Confucianism |
| Egypt | "Es Salaam el Gamhoury el Masry" (English: "Egyptian Republican Anthem") | Christianity and Islam |
| Ethiopia | "Ityopp'ya Hoy" (English: "Ethiopia, Be happy") | Christianity |
| Hawaii | "He Mele Lahui Hawaii" (English: "Song of the Hawaiian Nation") | Christianity |
| Iran | "Sorude Melli" (English: "National Anthem") | Christianity, Islam and Zoroastrianism |
| Iraq, until 2003 | "Ardh ul-Furatayn" (English: "Land of the Euphrates") | Islam |
| Korea | "Daehan Jeguk Aegukga" (English: "Patriotic Hymn of the Great Korean Empire") | Christianity, Confucianism and Buddhism |
| Laos | "Pheng Xat Lao" (English: "Hymn of the Lao People") | Buddhism |
| Libya | "Allahu Akbar" (English: "God is Greatest") | Islam |
| Manchukuo | "Mǎnzhōuguó jiàn guógē" (English: "Manchukuo Independence Song") | Buddhism and Shinto |
| Montenegro | "Ubavoj nam Crnoj Gori" (English: "To Our Beautiful Montenegro") | Christianity |
| Namibia, until 1991 | "Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika" (English: "Lord Bless Africa") | Christianity |
| Netherlands Antilles | Untitled | Christianity |
| Netherlands, until 1932 | "Wien Neêrlands Bloed" (English: "Those in whom Dutch blood") | Christianity |
| Newfoundland | "Ode to Newfoundland" | Christianity |
| Nigeria, until 2024 | "Arise, O Compatriots" | Christianity and Islam |
| Orange Free State | "Volkslied van de Oranje Vrijstaat" (English: "National Anthem of the Orange Free State") | Christianity |
| Portugal | "Hino da Carta" (English: "Hymn to the Charter") | Christianity |
| Rhodesia | "Rise O Voices of Rhodesia" | Christianity |
| Romania | "Trăiască Regele" (English: "Long Live the King") | Christianity |
| Russia | "God Save The Tsar!" | Christianity |
| Slovakia | "Hej, Slováci" (English: "Hey, Slovaks") | Christianity |
| South Africa | "Die Stem van Suid-Afrika" (English: "The Call of South Africa")[a] | Christianity |
| South Africa, until 1957 | "God bewaar ons Koningin" | Christianity |
| South Africa, until 1997 | "Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika" (English: "Lord Bless Africa") | Christianity |
| Switzerland, until 1961 | "Rufst du, mein Vaterland" (English: "When you call, my Fatherland")[e] | Christianity |
| Tibet | "Gyallu" | Buddhism |
| Transvaal | "Volkslied van Transvaal" (English: "National Anthem of the Transvaal")[f] | Christianity |
| Two Sicilies | "Inno al Re" (English: "Hymn to the King") | Christianity |
| Upper Volta | "Hymne National Voltaïque" (English: "Voltan National Anthem") | Christianity and Islam |
| Yugoslavia | "Himna Kraljevine Jugoslavije" (English: "Hymn of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia) | Christianity |
| Zambia, until 1973 | "Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika" (English: "Lord Bless Africa") | Christianity |
| Zimbabwe, until 1994 | "Ishe Komborera Africa" (English: "God Bless Africa") | Christianity |
Coat of arms which symbolize religion
Buddhism
| Coat of arms | Country | Religious characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Bhutan (emblem) | Druk, Lotus | |
| Cambodia (coat of arms) | Om | |
| India (emblem) | Ashoka Chakra, Lion Capital of Ashoka | |
| Indonesia (coat of arms) | Garuda | |
| Laos (emblem) | Pha That Luang | |
| Mongolia (emblem) | Dharmachakra, Ratnatraya, Wind Horse | |
| Myanmar (state seal) | Chinthe | |
| Sri Lanka (emblem) | Dharmachakra, Lotus |
Hinduism
| Coat of arms | Country | Religious characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| India (emblem) | Satyameva Jayate | |
| Indonesia (coat of arms) | Garuda | |
| Nepal (emblem) | Janani Janmabhumishcha Swargadapi Gariyasi | |
| Thailand (emblem) | Garuda |
Christianity
| Coat of arms | Country | Religious characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Andorra (coat of arms) | Includes a bishop's mitre, representing the Bishop of Urgell. | |
| Armenia (coat of arms) | Mount Ararat with Noah's Ark sitting atop it. | |
| Australia (coat of arms) | St George's Cross, Maltese cross | |
| Belgium (coat of arms) | A globus cruciger on top of the coat of arms as a Christian symbol of authority | |
| Bulgaria (coat of arms) | The crosses on the four crowns symbolize Bulgarian Orthodoxy | |
| Canada (coat of arms) | Cross, A Mari Usque Ad Mare ('From Sea to Sea') | |
| Cyprus (coat of arms) | Dove | |
| 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 | |
| Dominica (coat of arms) | Cross, Apres Bondie C'est La Ter ('After God the Earth') | |
| Dominican Republic (coat of arms) | Cross, Bible, Dios, Patria, Libertad ('God, Fatherland, Liberty') | |
| El Salvador (coat of arms) | Dios, Unión, Libertad (God, Union, Liberty) | |
| Fiji (coat of arms) | Cross, Rerevaka na kalou ka doka na Tui ('Fear God and honour the Queen'), dove | |
| Georgia (coat of arms) | St. George, Bolnisi cross, globus cruciger | |
| Grenada (coat of arms) | Cross, 'Ever Conscious of God we Aspire, Build and Advance as One People' | |
| Greece (coat of arms) | Greek cross | |
| Hungary (coat of arms) | Patriarchal cross; cross on the distinctive Crown of Saint Stephen | |
| Iceland (coat of arms) | Nordic cross | |
| Jamaica (coat of arms) | Cross | |
| Liechtenstein (coat of arms) | A globus cruciger on top of the coat of arms as a Christian symbol of authority | |
| Lithuania (coat of arms) | Patriarchal cross | |
| Luxembourg (coat of arms) | A globus cruciger on top of the coat of arms as a Christian symbol of authority | |
| Malta (coat of arms) | George Cross | |
| Moldova (coat of arms) | Cross | |
| Monaco (coat of arms) | Cross, Deo Juvante ('With God's Help') | |
| Montenegro (coat of arms) | Cross, globus crucigers | |
| Nauru (coat of arms) | 'God's Will First' | |
| Netherlands (coat of arms) | A globus cruciger on top of the coat of arms as a Christian symbol of authority | |
| New Zealand (coat of arms) | A globus cruciger on top of the coat of arms as a Christian symbol of authority | |
| Nigeria (coat of arms) | 'Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress' | |
| 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. | |
| Portugal (coat of arms) | Compound cross of five quinas, each one charged with five saltire-arranged bezants | |
| Romania (coat of arms) | Cross | |
| Russia (coat of arms) | St. George, globus crucigers | |
| Samoa (coat of arms) | Faavae i Le Atua Samoa ('Samoa is founded on God'), cross | |
| San Marino (coat of arms) | A globus cruciger on top of the coat of arms as a Christian symbol of authority | |
| Serbia (coat of arms) | Serbian cross, globus cruciger | |
| Slovakia (coat of arms) | Patriarchal cross | |
| Spain (coat of arms) | A globus cruciger on top of the coat of arms as a Christian symbol of authority | |
| Sweden (coat of arms) | Cross, a globus cruciger on top of the coat of arms as a Christian symbol of authority | |
| Switzerland (coat of arms) | Cross | |
| Tonga (coat of arms) | Cross, dove, Ko e ʻOtua mo Tonga ko hoku Tofiʻa ('God and Tonga are my inheritance') | |
| Tuvalu (coat of arms) | Tuvalu Mo Te Atua ('Tuvalu for the Almighty') | |
| Uganda (coat of arms) | For God and My Country | |
| 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') | |
| United States (seal reverse) | Eye of Providence | |
| Vatican City (coat of arms) | The crossed keys of St. Peter and the Papal Tiara | |
| Vanuatu (coat of arms) | 'Long God yumi stanap' ('In God we stand') |
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Former
| Coat of arms | Country | Religious characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Austria-Hungary (coat of arms) | Globus crucigers, patriarchal cross | |
| Belarus (coat of arms) | Pahonia with a double cross | |
| 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') | |
| Georgia (coat of arms) | St. George | |
| German Empire (coat of arms) | A globus cruciger on top of the coat of arms as a Christian symbol of authority | |
| Kingdom of Italy (coat of arms) | Cross, globus cruciger | |
| Russian Empire (coat of arms) | Cross, St. George, St. Michael, Gabriel, 'Съ нами Богъ!' ('God is with us!') | |
| Kingdom of Yugoslavia (coat of arms) | Globus cruciger, Serbian cross |
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Islam
| Coat of arms | Country | Religious characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan (coat of arms) | Shahadah, mosque, mehrab, Prayer rug | |
| Algeria (coat of arms) | Star and crescent | |
| Azerbaijan (coat of arms) | Calligraphic representation of the name Allah in the form of an eternal flame, green | |
| Bahrain (coat of arms) | five points represent the five pillars of Islam | |
| Brunei (coat of arms) | Crescent moon, الدائمون المحسنون بالهدى (Always in service with God's guidance) | |
| Comoros (Seal) | Star and crescent | |
| Guinea (coat of arms) | Dove | |
| Iraq (coat of arms) | الله أكبر (God is Great) | |
| 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) | |
| Libya (coat of arms) | Star and crescent | |
| Malaysia (coat of arms) | Crescent moon | |
| Maldives (Emblem) | Star and crescent | |
| Mali (coat of arms) | Great Mosque of Djenné, Un Peuple, Un But, Une Foi (One People, One Goal, One Faith) | |
| Mauritania (seal) | Star and crescent, green | |
| Morocco (coat of arms) | إن تنصروا الله ينصركم (If you glorify God, he will glorify you) | |
| Pakistan (state emblem) | ایمان ، اتحاد ، نظم (Faith, Unity, Discipline), Star and crescent, green | |
| Senegal (coat of arms) | Un Peuple, Un But, Une Foi (One People, One Goal, One Faith) | |
| Tunisia (coat of arms) | Star and crescent | |
| Turkey (coat of arms) | Star and crescent | |
| Turkmenistan (emblem) | Rub el Hizb, stars and crescent | |
| Uzbekistan (emblem) | Rub el Hizb, star and crescent |
Former
| Coat of arms | Country | Religious characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom of Egypt (coat of arms) | stars and crescent | |
| 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) |
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Judaism
| Coat of arms | Country | Religious characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Israel (coat of arms) | Menorah, blue |
Traditional
| Coat of arms | Country | Religious characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina (coat of arms) | Sun of May | |
| South Korea (emblem) | Yin and yang | |
| Mexico (coat of arms) | Symbolizies the Aztec legend of Tenochtitlan, modern-day Mexico City[44] | |
| Uruguay (coat of arms) | Sun of May |
Former
| Coat of arms | Country | Religious characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Imperial State of Iran (coat of arms) | Lion and Sun, Faravahar, Simurgh | |
| Kingdom of Iraq (coat of arms) | Lion of Babylon |
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See also
Notes
- ^ a b c Specifically the fourth verse.
- ^ Most of the verses contain a link to religion and the sixth verse is entirely devoted to God.
- ^ 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".
- ^ Specifically the third and fourth verses.
- ^ Specifically the German version.
- ^ Specifically the third verse.
References
- ^ "64 countries have religious symbols on their national flags". 25 November 2014.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Flag Description: Cambodia". World Factbook. CIA. Archived from the original on June 15, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
- ^ Flags of the world: an illustrated guide to contemporary flags Alfred Znamierowski – 2000, ISBN 1-84215-337-4
- ^ "The Sri Lankan Lion flag -how it came to be". Virtual Library Sri Lanka.
- ^ "Flag Description: Thailand". World Factbook. CIA. Archived from the original on June 15, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
- ^ "General Information on the government of Armenia's website". Gov.am. Retrieved 2014-02-02.
- ^ Zartman, Rubin (2002). Power and Negotiation. University of Michigan Press. p. 111. ISBN 0472089072.
- ^ Foley, Carol A. (1996). The Australian flag : colonial relic or contemporary icon?. Sydney: Federation Press. p. 18. ISBN 9781862871885.
- ^ a b c d e 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.
- ^ "Flag Description: Dominica". World Factbook. CIA. Archived from the original on June 15, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
- ^ "Flag Description: Dominican Republic". World Factbook. CIA. Archived from the original on June 15, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
- ^ "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
- ^ "Flag Description: Greece". World Factbook. CIA. Archived from the original on June 15, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
- ^ Talocci, Mauro (1982). Guide to the Flags of the World. Morrow. p. 271. ISBN 0688011411.
- ^ a b c d e f "64 countries have religious symbols on their national flags". Pew Research. 25 November 2014. Retrieved 2014-12-25.
- ^ a b 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.
- ^ "A Bandeira de Portugal". Portugal (in Portuguese). Criar Mundos. August 2005. Archived from the original on 2006-10-01. Retrieved 2007-02-19.
- ^ "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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Smith, Whitney (24 November 2013). "Flag of Tonga". Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Retrieved 9 August 2014. (subscription required)
- ^ "Union Jack". The Royal Household. Retrieved 2013-06-23.
- ^ "Details".
- ^ "Flag Description: Algeria". World Factbook. CIA. Archived from the original on June 15, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
- ^ "Flag Description: Azerbaijan". World Factbook. CIA. Archived from the original on June 15, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
- ^ "Flag Description: Bahrain". World Factbook. CIA. Archived from the original on June 15, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
- ^ "Flag Description: Brunei". World Factbook. CIA. Archived from the original on June 15, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
- ^ "Flag Description: Comoros". World Factbook. CIA. Archived from the original on June 15, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
- ^ "Flag Description: Iran". World Factbook. CIA. Archived from the original on April 20, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
- ^ "Flag Description: Iraq". World Factbook. CIA. Archived from the original on June 15, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
- ^ "Flag Description: Jordan". World Factbook. CIA. Archived from the original on June 15, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
- ^ "Flag of Libya - Description". Index Mundi. Retrieved March 23, 2015.
- ^ "Flag Description: Malaysia". World Factbook. CIA. Archived from the original on June 15, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
- ^ "Flag Description: Maldives". World Factbook. CIA. Archived from the original on June 15, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
- ^ "Flag Description: Mauritania". World Factbook. CIA. Archived from the original on May 28, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
- ^ "Moroccan Flag". Vexillology Matters. Retrieved March 24, 2015.
- ^ "Pakistan Flag". Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Archived from the original on October 26, 2007. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
- ^ "Flag Description: Saudi Arabia". World Factbook. CIA. Archived from the original on May 20, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
- ^ "Senegal on Flagspot". Flagspot.net. Retrieved 2014-02-02.
- ^ Philip, George and Son (December 26, 2002). Encyclopedic World Atlas. Oxford University Press. p. 198. ISBN 9780195219203. Retrieved May 24, 2013.
- ^ 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) - ^ "Flag Description: Israel". World Factbook. CIA. Archived from the original on April 20, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
- ^ "Flag Description: Argentina". World Factbook. CIA. Archived from the original on June 15, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
- ^ a b "Flag of Mexico". All-flags-world.com. Retrieved 2015-07-01.
- ^ "Flag of Uruguay". All-flags-world.com. Retrieved 2014-02-02.