The short answer:
Stars, crescents and suns are among the most recognisable symbols on national flags. They can represent geography, religion, unity, states, aspirations or national history.
Stars, crescents and suns are among the most recognisable symbols on national flags. They can represent geography, religion, unity, states, aspirations or national history.
Stars
Stars can represent states or provinces, islands, people, unity or national aspirations. The United States, China, Australia and many other countries use stars in different ways.
Crescents and moons
Crescents are particularly associated with several countries whose histories include Islamic traditions, although the symbol also has much older cultural and historical uses.
The sun
A sun can represent life, light, independence, hope or the country's geography. Japan's flag, for example, is dominated by a red sun disc.
Symbols can have several layers
A single star or crescent can have historical, religious and political associations at the same time. Its exact meaning depends on the country's own history.