In this complete compendium of the world's flags, each nation's flag is paired with facts and tidbits of history. These flags provide a window into the histories, values, and cultures of countries around the world.

Waving in the wind, a flag may not seem like a code. But hidden in the stripes, stars, suns, moons, and colors of the world's flags are the keys to understanding different countries' shared histories and cherished ideals.

Flags do much more than identify countries and groups of people. In every color, pattern, and design, the citizens and governments of countries announce...