This useful Web site provides images of flags from around the world. The images are provided by the Flag Institute, which is the largest flag‐related membership society worldwide. Members include individuals, flag manufacturers and dealers, and museums, libraries and other centers that collect flags. Graham Bartram, who created and maintains this site, is a member and an officer of the organization.
The site is extremely clear and provides several points of access. An index by country is provided in the form of a set of A to Z buttons. Selecting a letter shows the user thumbnail images of all the flags from the countries beginning with that letter. A general search engine is under construction, and the site also provides a complete index, which lists all the countries and territories covered in the site. Additional information about the country, including capital city, area, population, currency, and official languages, is provided for many countries, for a total of 260 pages in all. It is not clear what source was used for these data, but it appears to be accurate. If applicable, the information for each country will also include state flags, ensigns, and territorial flags. If a country has recently changed its flag, both designs are provided.
A new section entitled “Flags From History” provides images of flags from the Allied and Axis powers of World War II and the flags from countries involved in the Vietnam War. A disclaimer about the flags of former régimes being provided only for reference purposes is included. Links to flag history, a bibliography, a Webliography, and a listing of organizations and advice on where to purchase flags is also provided. A “What’s New” area tracks updates and corrections in the database. The Help pages include a useful glossary of flag‐related terms, including vexillology, the technical name for the study of flags.
This site definitely belongs in all libraries’ ready reference bookmarks.
