Stars are among the most common symbols on flags, representing various meanings and values. Some stars symbolize states, territories, or regions, while others signify political ideologies, religious beliefs, or cultural heritage. In this article, we will explore the top 10 countries with stars on their flags in the world, and learn about the history and significance of these stellar emblems.
Top 10 Countries with Stars on Their Flags in the World
1. United States of America
The flag of the United States of America has the most stars of any national flag in the world. It consists of 13 horizontal white and red stripes, with a blue canton bearing 50 five-pointed white stars in nine rows. Each star represents a US state, while the stripes represent the original 13 colonies that declared independence from Great Britain in 1776. The flag of the United States has been modified 26 times, most recently in 1959, after Hawaii was incorporated into the Union as a state.
2. Brazil
The flag of Brazil has the second-highest number of stars, with 27. It features a green field with a yellow rhombus in the center, containing a blue circle with a white band across it. The band bears the motto “Ordem e Progresso” (Order and Progress), inspired by the positivist philosophy of Auguste Comte. The blue circle contains 27 white five-pointed stars of different sizes, arranged according to the constellations as they appeared over Rio de Janeiro on November 15, 1889, the date of the proclamation of the Republic of Brazil. Each star represents a Brazilian state or federal district.
3. Uzbekistan
The flag of Uzbekistan has 12 stars, arranged in three rows of four on a white crescent moon. The flag also features three horizontal bands of blue, white, and green, separated by two thin red stripes. The blue band represents the sky and water, as well as the historical link to Turkic peoples. The white band symbolizes peace and purity, as well as cotton, one of the main crops of Uzbekistan. The green band stands for nature and fertility, as well as Islam, the predominant religion of Uzbekistan. The red stripes signify the life force and courage of the people. The crescent moon represents the national aspirations and independence of Uzbekistan, while the 12 stars symbolize the 12 regions of the country.
4. Australia
The flag of Australia features six stars, five of which are seven-pointed, plus a single five-pointed star. The flag consists of a blue field with the Union Jack in the upper hoist quarter, representing Australia’s historical ties to Great Britain. Below the Union Jack is a large seven-pointed star known as the Commonwealth Star or Federation Star, which represents the six states and territories of Australia. On the fly half of the flag are five smaller seven-pointed stars that form the Southern Cross constellation, one of the most prominent and distinctive features of the southern hemisphere sky. The Southern Cross symbolizes Australia’s geographical location and identity.
5. China
The flag of China is one of the most recognizable flags in the world. It features a red field with five yellow five-pointed stars in the upper hoist corner. The red color represents the communist revolution and the blood of those who sacrificed for it. The large star symbolizes the leadership of the Communist Party of China, while the four smaller stars represent the four social classes that united under it: workers, peasants, intellectuals, and bourgeoisie. The arrangement of the stars also suggests a stylized version of Chinese characters for “zhonghua renmin gongheguo” (People’s Republic of China).
6. Israel
The flag of Israel is the only flag with a hexagram-shaped star, popularly known as the Star of David or Magen David (Shield of David). The star is a modern symbol of Jewish identity and Judaism, but was not originally a symbol of Judaism. It became a symbol of Zionism in 1897 since it was widely recognized by Jewish communities and lacked religious connotations. Before that time, the star was used by various cultures and religions for different purposes, such as astrology, alchemy, magic, and heraldry. The flag of Israel consists of a white field with two horizontal blue stripes near the edges and a blue Star of David in the center. The blue color is derived from the traditional Jewish prayer shawl called tallit, which has blue stripes on its edges. The white color symbolizes light, honesty, innocence, and peace.
7. Morocco
The flag of Morocco features a green five-pointed star on a red field. The red color represents bravery, strength, hardiness, and valor. It also recalls the blood of the martyrs who fought for Morocco’s independence from France and Spain in the 20th century. The green star, also known as the Seal of Solomon, represents the five pillars of Islam, the main religion of Morocco. It also symbolizes health, wisdom, harmony, and hope. The star is centered within an inverted pentagram, which is an ancient symbol of protection and security.
8. Somalia
The flag of Somalia features a white five-pointed star on a light blue field. The blue color was influenced by the flag of the United Nations, which helped Somalia achieve independence from Italy and Britain in 1960. It also represents the sky and the Indian Ocean, which borders Somalia on the east. The white star symbolizes the unity and aspirations of the Somali people, who share a common language, culture, and ethnicity. The five points of the star represent the five regions where Somalis live: Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and Somaliland.
9. Nepal
The flag of Nepal is the only non-quadrilateral flag in the world, but instead takes the shape of a double-pennon. It encompasses two distinct stars on a red background aligned vertically. The upper star, which depicts the sun and a crescent-shaped moon, has 10 points, while the lower is sun-shaped and has 12 points. The red color represents the bravery and courage of the Nepalese people, as well as the rhododendron, the national flower of Nepal. The blue border symbolizes peace and harmony. The crescent moon represents the purity and calmness of the Nepalese people, while the sun symbolizes their resolve and warmth. The two celestial bodies also signify that Nepal will last as long as they do.
10. Ethiopia
The flag of Ethiopia features a yellow pentagram on a blue circle in the center of a tricolor field of green, yellow, and red. The green color represents the fertility and richness of the land, as well as hope and growth. The yellow color represents peace, harmony, and love among the people. The red color represents the sacrifice and bloodshed of those who fought for Ethiopia’s freedom and dignity. The blue circle symbolizes unity and diversity. The yellow star, also known as the Star of Ethiopia or Star of King Solomon, represents the unity of all Ethiopians under one God. It also signifies enlightenment, democracy, and progress.
Conclusion
Stars are powerful symbols that convey various meanings and values on national flags. They can represent states, regions, ideologies, religions, cultures, and aspirations. They can also signify celestial bodies, such as constellations, the sun, and the moon. Stars can have different shapes, colors, sizes, and arrangements on flags, reflecting the diversity and uniqueness of each country. The following are some of the most asked questions and answers about countries with stars on their flags.
FAQ
Q: Which country has the most stars on its flag?
A: The United States has the most stars on its flag with 50.
Q: Which country has the second-highest number of stars on its flag?
A: Brazil has the second-highest number of stars on its flag with 27.
Q: Which country has a hexagram-shaped star on its flag?
A: Israel has a hexagram-shaped star on its flag.
Q: Which country has a non-quadrilateral flag with two stars?
A: Nepal has a non-quadrilateral flag with two stars.
Q: Which country has a pentagram-shaped star on its flag?
A: Ethiopia has a pentagram-shaped star on its flag.
Q: Which country has a 24-pointed star on its flag?
A: The Marshall Islands has a 24-pointed star on its flag.
Q: Which country has a seven-pointed star on its flag?
A: Australia has a seven-pointed star on its flag.
Q: Which country has a red star on its flag?
A: China has a red star on its flag.
Q: Which country has a green star on its flag?
A: Morocco has a green star on its flag.
Q: Which country has a white star on its flag?
A: Somalia has a white star on its flag.