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Religion in national symbols

(Redirected from Religion in national flags)

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

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

Main article: List of flags with Islamic symbolism
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

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')

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

Islam

Coat of arms Country Religious characteristics
 
Emblem of Afghanistan
 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)

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

See also

Notes

  1. ^ a b c 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. ^ 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.
  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. ^ a b c d e f "64 countries have religious symbols on their national flags". Pew Research. 25 November 2014. Retrieved 2014-12-25.
  17. ^ 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.
  18. ^ "A Bandeira de Portugal". Portugal (in Portuguese). Criar Mundos. August 2005. Archived from the original on 2006-10-01. Retrieved 2007-02-19.
  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. ^ a b "Flag of Mexico". All-flags-world.com. Retrieved 2015-07-01.
  45. ^ "Flag of Uruguay". All-flags-world.com. Retrieved 2014-02-02.
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