FLAGS OF OTHER NATIONS

A new Australian flag must rank among other great national flags. The nation whose situation most parallels that of Australia is Canada who replaced their flag (a British Red Ensign with a Canadian badge) in 1965. The Canadian maple leaf design proved hugely successful, and sets the standard to which a new Australian flag should aspire.

Listed below are fifteen national flags that I consider to be among the best in the world. Nine of them are from countries that were once British colonies. Some, such as Canada and Jamaica, still retain Queen Elizabeth II as their Head of State. A great flag is easily recognisable and clearly displays the symbols of the nation. It should demonstrate originality and be visually striking. These flags exhibit these qualities in different ways, but all are bold symbols of the countries they represent.

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA
Flag Adopted: 1967

Proportion: 2:3

BRAZIL
Flag Adopted: 1889
Last Modified: 1992

Proportion: 7:10

CANADA
Flag Adopted: 1965

Proportion: 1:2

FRANCE
Flag Adopted: 1794

Proportion: 2:3

IRAN
Flag Adopted: 1905
Last Modified: 1980

Proportion: 4:7

ISRAEL
Flag Adopted: 1948

Proportion: 8:11

JAMAICA
Flag Adopted: 1962

Proportion: 1:2

JAPAN
Flag Adopted: 1854

Proportion: 7:10

KENYA
Flag Adopted: 1963

Proportion: 2:3

KIRIBATI
Flag Adopted: 1979

Proportion: 1:2

PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Flag Adopted: 1971

Proportion: 3:4

SOUTH AFRICA
Flag Adopted: 1994

Proportion: 2:3

SRI LANKA
Flag Adopted: 1951
Last Modified: 1978

Proportion: 1:2

UNITED KINGDOM
Flag Adopted: 1606
Last Modified: 1801

Proportion: 1:2

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Flag Adopted: 1777
Last Modified: 1960

Proportion: 10:19

AUSTRALIA
Flag Adopted: ?

Does this design measure up against these other flags? Could it lead an Australian Olympic team or fly over Sydney Harbour, the Gabba and the MCG? Would it stand out as it flew from the giant flag pole standing over Parliament House in Canberra?

This design, I believe fulfils the requirements of a new flag, and is one that could be accepted by the Australian public. It is a distinctly Australian flag, it is also a design unique among flags of other countries. I believe it is comparable to these other great flags and would be an unmistakable symbol of our nation.

I would be interested to hear some feedback from other Australians interested in the Australian flag debate, or indeed from anyone around the world with an interest in vexillology. If you have any comments, feel free to send an email.

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