Kingdom of Nepal, 1962

Nepal is the only country in modern times with a non-rectangular flag, a combination of two pennons or pennants, overlapping right triangles. The smaller upper triangle displays a stylised moon, symbolising the king and the larger lower triangle displays the sun, symbolising the Rana family, members of which acted as prime ministers until 1961. The flag’s colour is crimson red, the national colour, a symbol of bravery; the border is blue, the colour of peace. On 16 December 1962, when a constitutional form of government was established, the facial features in the symbols were removed. A white stylised moon and a twelve-pointed sun expressed the hope that Nepal will live as long as the Sun and the Moon. Also, the moon represents the calm demeanour and purity of spirit of the Nepali people, while the sun represents their fierce resolve.