National Flags

I just finished reading an interesting article about national anthems and flags by Karen A. Cerulo. The article looks at flags from 33 countries alongside anthems from 133. The study is based on analyzing the syntax and complexity of national symbols in the light of political modernization and world systems theory.

The article is interesting both by virtue of its content and methodology. Most of all the findings are substantial. As a cheat sheet for all those who failed to read the hand out and those who might be interested otherwise I am attaching pictures of the most basic and most complex flags, on the basis of embellishment.

Most basic syntax: Austria, followed by France.




Most embellished flags: Philippines, followed by Uganda.