Question: What is the only country in the world with a flag with 5 sides?
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Nepal.
The only country in the world with a flag that has five sides is Nepal. Unlike the traditional rectangular flags of most nations, Nepal’s flag consists of two stacked triangles, forming a unique and easily recognizable design. This distinctive shape makes it the only non-quadrilateral national flag in the world.
The design of Nepal’s flag is deeply rooted in the country’s history, culture, and religious beliefs. The two triangular pennants are believed to symbolize the Himalayan mountains, which dominate Nepal’s landscape. The flag’s deep crimson red color represents bravery and is also the national color of Nepal, while the blue border signifies peace and harmony.
Inside the flag, there are two key symbols:
- A white moon with a crescent and a sun-like symbol in the upper triangle
- A white sun with twelve rays in the lower triangle
These symbols originally represented the royal family (the moon) and the Rana dynasty (the sun), which ruled Nepal for centuries. However, their modern interpretation is that they signify the permanence of Nepal, just like the moon and sun in the sky. They also represent the hope that Nepal will endure as long as the celestial bodies exist.
Nepal’s flag has been in use for centuries, but its modern form was officially adopted on December 16, 1962, when Nepal transitioned into a constitutional monarchy. The flag’s geometric proportions follow mathematical precision, outlined in Nepal’s constitution, making it a unique blend of traditional symbolism and precise geometry.
Nepal’s flag is a powerful representation of its independent spirit, natural beauty, and cultural heritage, making it one of the most distinctive flags in the world.