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The Flag Institute

@flaginstitute.bsky.social
299 followers 10 following 57 posts

Serving flag nerdery realness since 1971 • Free expert advice on flags and their use

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The Flag Institute @flaginstitute.bsky.social · 12/07/2026
We love a flag, BUT we would like there to be 0 flags flying here, because each flag represents a country where LGBT+ relationships are criminalised. In 12 countries, the penalty is death. 📸 Museumplein, Amsterdam
The flags of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Eritrea, Ghana, Algeria, Brunei, Burundi, Chad, and others Zero flags project. In this area stand flagpoles of the 63 countries that criminalise same-sex relations or gender expression. In 12 of these countries, the penalty for homosexuality is death. These flags are a ‘Monument of visibility’ against the prosecution of thousands who cannot be who they are, and love who they want to love.
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The Flag Institute @flaginstitute.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
For anyone who is still not over Cape Verde’s historic sporting achievement and is seriously considering hand-painting their glorious flag 🇨🇻
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The Flag Institute @flaginstitute.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
In case Cape Verde’s remarkable feat (holding Spain to a goalless draw) tempts you to hand paint their spectacular flag on your wall…
The flag of Cape Verse hand painted on a wall. Below it are the flags of Ethiopia and Nigeria 18 hand painted African flags
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The Flag Institute @flaginstitute.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
Let’s hear it for the gorgeous flag of Nunavut 🇨🇦
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The Flag Institute @flaginstitute.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
Our President Malcolm Farrow’s words on the public’s use of the Union Flag 🇬🇧 www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2203477/brits-issued-no-nonsense-use-or-lose-warning-union-jack-flags
express.co.uk
Brits issued no nonsense 'use them or lose them' warning over Union Jack flag...
Tensions have soared across communities over people's right to hoist Union Jack and St George's flags in private and public spaces
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The Flag Institute @flaginstitute.bsky.social · 29/03/2026
Kian is a kindred spirit www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
The six-year-old from Ipswich who can name every country's flag
Kian, from Ipswich, is now learning the world's capital cities after mastering his flags.
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The Flag Institute @flaginstitute.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
Tickets for our spring conference are out! 📅 Sat 30 to Sun 31 May 🏠 Bristol www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/flag-institute-spring-26-conference-sponsored-by-flagmakers-tickets-1977359097289
eventbrite.co.uk
Flag Institute Spring '26 Conference sponsored by Flagmakers
A conference featuring a programme of contemporary and historical vexillological presentations and site visits around Bristol.
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The Flag Institute @flaginstitute.bsky.social · 15/02/2026
It's rainy so we need a flag game: Name us countries whose flags are the same upside down. We'll start: Nigeria 🇳🇬
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The Flag Institute @flaginstitute.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
🎉 Well done if you identified the flags of Kyrgyzstan 🇰🇬 Brunei 🇧🇳 Papua New Guinea 🇵🇬 Portugal 🇵🇹
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The Flag Institute @flaginstitute.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
Here's another quiz: Do you know which flags contain these symbols?
Which flags contain these symbols? A red sun surrounded by yellow flames, a red circular symbol with hands coming out on each side, a yellow bird of paradise, a yellow circular shield, with a red symbol in the middle, and 5 blue shields over a white background.
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The Flag Institute @flaginstitute.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
Well done if you said Uruguay 🇺🇾 Slovakia 🇸🇰 Uganda 🇺🇬 Mongolia 🇲🇳
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The Flag Institute @flaginstitute.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
Which flags contain these symbols?
Which flags contain these symbols?
A yellow sun, a white cross over a red background and a blue base, a black/grey bird, a yellow symbol made of various shapes
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The Flag Institute @flaginstitute.bsky.social · 07/02/2026
Did you know you can become a member of the Flag Institute, and receive our newsletters (digital or in print), and emails about our events? Join or renew today! www.flaginstitute.org/wp/join-or-renew
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The Flag Institute @flaginstitute.bsky.social · 19/01/2026
For our spring 2026 conference, we're going to BRISTOL 🤟 🗓️ 30-31 May 🏠 Gather Round, Brunswick Square, Bristol BS2 8NX 🎙️ 4 confirmed; more to be announced Get your ticket today www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/flag-institute-spring-26-conference-sponsored-by-flagmakers-tickets-1977359097289
eventbrite.co.uk
Flag Institute Spring '26 Conference sponsored by Flagmakers
A conference featuring a programme of contemporary and historical vexillological presentations and site visits around Bristol.
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The Flag Institute @flaginstitute.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
Share your views: a community flag for Kinross-shire? kinross.cc/flag/
kinross.cc
Flag - Kinross Community
Share your views: a community flag for Kinross-shire? We want ...
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The Flag Institute @flaginstitute.bsky.social · 12/12/2025
🛎️ Do you have some flag research to share, or an interesting flag story to tell? We're always looking for new articles and presentations, from the UK and overseas. If you have a flag-related project you’d like to present, contact Leigh on chiefexec@flaginstitute.org
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The Flag Institute @flaginstitute.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
What do we think about this new suggested design for the flag of Shetland?
shetnews.co.uk
Nordic connection at heart of suggested new Shetland flag design
DOES the Shetland flag need a refresh? The answer from Whalsay’s Magnus Hutchison is a yes - and his proposed design appears to be getting a fair bit of...
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The Flag Institute @flaginstitute.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
This Saturday 15 Nov is our AGM and winter conference! Get a FREE ticket here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/flag-institute-agm-and-winter-2025-conference-tickets-1460810055199 Confirmed speakers: Peter Kirkwood José Manuel Erbez Maxim Saakyan & Leo Torosian Edgar Zaagsma Stan Moore Heather Binnington
eventbrite.co.uk
Flag Institute AGM and Winter 2025 Conference
The event is free to register and will be beamed worldwide.
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The Flag Institute @flaginstitute.bsky.social · 01/10/2025
It’s World Vexillology Day! Your chance to show off your favourite flag displays. We’d love to see them! 😍
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The Flag Institute @flaginstitute.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
“A flag is nothing more than a symbol. That’s all it is. Humanity, ever since the dawn of time, we have needed symbols.” - Malcolm’s interview on the Big Issue www.bigissue.com/news/politics/wave-st-georges-flags-england-national-identity/
bigissue.com
What the wave of St George's flags across England means for national identity
Across England, everyone's flying St George's flags. But is it a burst of national pride or something much more sinister?
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The Flag Institute @flaginstitute.bsky.social · 27/08/2025
We've been busy speaking to the media about how flags reflect history, identity, and community across the UK. pressat.co.uk/releases/fla...
pressat.co.uk
Flags in the Spotlight – Flag Institute Welcomes Upswing in Public Interest
The Flag...
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Leigh Wetherall @leigh-w.bsky.social · 23/07/2025
Flagmaster 170 is the latest issue of the @flaginstitute.bsky.social flagship magazine, featuring original research and fresh perspectives from across the world. FI members receive Flagmaster twice a year, along with access to exclusive events and resources. Become a member... lnkd.in/ewgzbQEr
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The Flag Institute @flaginstitute.bsky.social · 23/07/2025
Today, Parliament Square is looking particularly stripey – it's Historic County Flag Day! From Cornwall to Caithness, every flag is out and flapping proudly and competitively in the breeze. Come for the heritage, stay for the vexillology-induced neck strain.
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The Flag Institute @flaginstitute.bsky.social · 28/06/2025
Thoughts?
A flag seen at Glastonbury festival which reads ‘Ban flags’
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The Flag Institute @flaginstitute.bsky.social · 12/06/2025
Things we love to see. Taken today in Copenhagen 🇩🇰
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The Flag Institute @flaginstitute.bsky.social · 17/05/2025
We’re in beautiful York for our spring conference! 🙌 We hope all of you gorgeous flag nerds attending have a great time hearing from our speakers!
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The Flag Institute @flaginstitute.bsky.social · 08/05/2025
Ok BlueSky, what is your favourite flag fact?
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yellamundie.bsky.social @yellamundie.bsky.social · 28/04/2025
3 years after starting with Cameroon 🇨🇲, Equatorial Guinea 🇬🇶 completes the African continent in full-colour, to-scale flags hand-painted on a wall 🤟
All 54 African flags hand-painted on a wall.
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The Flag Institute @flaginstitute.bsky.social · 28/04/2025
So it turns out St George’s Day is… today? We a) get to celebrate twice 🙌 b) are not complaining 😌
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The Flag Institute @flaginstitute.bsky.social · 23/04/2025
Happy St George’s Day! Wishing everyone a great day as we celebrate England’s patron saint.
media.tenor.com
a person holding a small white flag with a red cross
Alt: a person holding an England flag
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yellamundie.bsky.social @yellamundie.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
Hey Eritrea 🇪🇷 You look good there on the nearly-completed wall of African flags.
The fully-painted flag of Eritrea. Also in the photo are the flags of Zimbabwe, Uganda, Malawi, Eswatini, Zambia, Kenya, and Mozambique. The partly-painted flag of Eritrea. Also in the photo are the flags of Zimbabwe, Uganda, Malawi, Eswatini, Zambia, Kenya, and Mozambique. The partly-painted flag of Eritrea. The red is missing. Also in the photo is the flag of Malawi. A pencil outline of the flag of Eritrea. Also in the photo is the flag of Malawi.
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The Flag Institute @flaginstitute.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
You can still register for our spring conference in York! Dates: 17-18 May Venue: The Bar Convent Living Heritage Centre Speakers: 7 confirmed Also attending: Many flag nerds just like you! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/flag-institute-spring-2025-conference-tickets-1232062374729?aff=oddtdtcreator
eventbrite.co.uk
Flag Institute Spring 2025 Conference
The conference will feature a programme of contemporary and historical vexillological presentations and site visits around York.
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Reposted by The Flag Institute
yellamundie.bsky.social @yellamundie.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
Malawi 🇲🇼 and its 31 rays coming out of a red rising sun… here we go ✌️
Finished flag of Malawi, hand-painted on a wallPartly-coloured-in flag of Malawi Pencil outline of the flag of Malawi, drawn on a wall
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yellamundie.bsky.social @yellamundie.bsky.social · 06/02/2025
Zambia 🇿🇲 has a flag that looks impossible to hand-paint in 9x6cm… until it becomes possible 🤟
Full-colour, to-scale, hand-painted flag of Zambia, above the flag of MozambiquePartially-painted flag of Zambia, above the flag of MozambiquePartially-painted flag of Zambia, above the flag of MozambiqueThe beginning of the flag of Zambia in pencil, with the cutout of an eagle used to trace it on the wall
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The Flag Institute @flaginstitute.bsky.social · 04/02/2025
Our spring conference 2025 will be in York! 🗓️ 17-18 May 🏠 The Bar Convent Living Heritage Centre, YO24 1AQ Some speakers already confirmed! Get your ticket today 👇
eventbrite.co.uk
Flag Institute Spring 2025 Conference
The conference will feature a programme of contemporary and historical vexillological presentations and site visits around York.
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Reposted by The Flag Institute
yellamundie.bsky.social @yellamundie.bsky.social · 25/01/2025
Hey Mozambique 🇲🇿
Pencil drawing of the proportions of the flag of Mozambique Pencil outline of the flag of Mozambique on the wallThe yellow and green bits of the flag of Mozambique painted inFull-colour, to-scale flag of Mozambique painted on the wall
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The Flag Institute @flaginstitute.bsky.social · 21/01/2025
please use flags to celebrate, grow, and unite behind a common cause. don’t use flags to demand superiority, or bully or exclude people. that’s our TED talk.
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The Flag Institute @flaginstitute.bsky.social · 13/01/2025
Congrats to Bothwell on its new flag! We love a flag ceremony, so here you are with a filming of the unveiling! 🥰 www.youtube.com/live/mue40QArDMg?si=Lw0NgKKYnXqAFCOE
The new flag of Bothwell - a stylised map of the town, with a central red sandstone castle and the river Clyde flowing to the west.
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The Flag Institute @flaginstitute.bsky.social · 01/01/2025
A flag quiz to start your 2025 www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jan/01/parrots-trees-dragons-quiz-national-flag-changes
theguardian.com
Parrots, trees and dragons: test yourself with our quiz on national flag changes
The ‘independence flag’ now flies in parts of Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad, but can you identify these other countries that have changed their flags (or not)?
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The Flag Institute @flaginstitute.bsky.social · 27/12/2024
It’s cold and dark and wet. But it’s 141 days to the Eurovision final. And 180 days to Glastonbury. Longer, warmer days will come, and glorious flags will flap gaily in the summer skies. You beautiful flag nerds, hang on in there.
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Leigh Wetherall @leigh-w.bsky.social · 19/12/2024
Flagmaster 169 in paper and digital form is now with the worldwide @flaginstitute.bsky.social membership. Articles include new Danish Flag Law, the Tino Rangatiratanga (Māori) flag, and flags in St Pierre and Miquelon. Sign up for FI membership at www.flaginstitute.org/wp/ to receive your copy.
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The Flag Institute @flaginstitute.bsky.social · 14/12/2024
Well done if you recognised the flag of Sarawak 👏
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The Flag Institute @flaginstitute.bsky.social · 14/12/2024
Shared in our WhatsApp group. What flag is this? 👇
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Lijphart @lijphart.bsky.social · 14/12/2024
The new Flag Master (169) has arrived. Very high quality as normal ! Stories on the new Danish flag law, the sheep that supplied wool for flag cloth, the Qatari flag, the St Pierre and Miguelon flag and the Tino Rangatiratanga (Māori) flag. @flaginstitute.bsky.social
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The Flag Institute @flaginstitute.bsky.social · 11/12/2024
For those of you who are members, Flagmaster 169 is being printed, and will be mailed to you this afternoon 🤩
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The Flag Institute @flaginstitute.bsky.social · 01/12/2024
We love a flag question on a tv quiz. This one would be worth… £2… for any proper flag nerd
A question on Who wants to be a millionaire. The question reads: The national flag of which country features a red circle on a green background? Answers: A Bangladesh; B Japan; C South Korea; D India
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The Flag Institute @flaginstitute.bsky.social · 29/11/2024
Don’t mind us. We’ll just sit here and take photos of Dutch province flags from every angle
A photo of Dutch province flags in The HagueA photo of Dutch province flags in The Hague taken from aboveA photo of Dutch province flags in The Hague taken from aboveA photo of Dutch province flags in The Hague taken from above
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The Flag Institute @flaginstitute.bsky.social · 25/11/2024
You know you're a flag nerd when you're on a work call and you can't remember what the flag of Vanuatu looks like. So you open a new tab and look it up. Because PRIORITIES 🤘
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The Flag Institute @flaginstitute.bsky.social · 24/11/2024
Our weird little heart is happier with flags 😌🍃
Don’t ever be ashamed of loving the strange things that make your weird little heart happy
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Reposted by The Flag Institute
yellamundie.bsky.social @yellamundie.bsky.social · 22/11/2024
Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 From an outline in pencil to a full-colour, to-scale, hand-painted design 🤟
The flag of Zimbabwe painted on the wall, above the flag of UgandaThe flag of Zimbabwe in the process of being painted on the wall, above the flags of Uganda and EswatiniThe flag of Zimbabwe in the process of being painted on the wall, above the flag of UgandaAn outline of the flag of Zimbabwe, drawn in pencil on a wall, above the flag of Uganda
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