While some flags are wonderfully simple, others contain coats of arms, intricate patterns, detailed animals and many individual symbols.
Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan's flag includes a detailed vertical carpet-gül panel containing several traditional carpet motifs. It is one of the most intricate elements found on a national flag.
Belize
The Belize flag contains a detailed coat of arms in its centre, surrounded by a wreath of leaves. The emblem includes tools, a tree, a shield and a motto.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic's flag places a detailed coat of arms in the centre of a white cross. The emblem includes a Bible, a cross and other national symbols.
Bhutan
Bhutan's flag features a white dragon across a yellow and orange background. The dragon is a strong national symbol and makes the design much more detailed than a simple tricolour.
Why use complicated symbols?
Detailed designs can preserve historical stories and cultural symbols that a very simple flag could not communicate. The trade-off is that complicated flags are harder to reproduce accurately, especially at small sizes.