North Korea

The flag of North Korea consists of a central red panel bordered both above and below by a broad blue stripe with a narrow white stripe in between. The central red panel features a five pointed red star placed within a white circle closer to the flag hoist than to the centre of the flag.

The flag's red star is a universal symbol of socialism and communism.

The colours of the flag symbolise, according to North Korea founder, Eternal Leader and designer of the flag Kim Il-sung:

• The red colour of the flag symbolises the anti-Japanese fervour, the red blood shed by the Korean patriots and the invincible might of our people firmly united to support the Republic. The white colour symbolises the one bloodline, one land, one language, one culture of our monoethnic country, which lived in purity. And blue stands for the gallant visage of our people, symbolising the spirit of the Korean people fighting for world peace and progress.

The flag of North Korea is also known as the "Ramhongsaek Konghwagukgi" which translates to "blue and red coloured flag of the republic". The flag's ratio is 1:2. The flag is officially defined by Article 170, Chapter 7 of the North Korean constitution. The flag was officially adopted on 8 September 1948.

The flag of North Korea is officially banned from public use in neighbouring South Korea, reflecting the ongoing hositilities between the two nations.

A row of North Korean flags flying