Flag of Nepal

Flag origins

Nepal’s distinctive flag combines two triangular shapes vertically, with a crimson field and a dark blue border. Its most striking feature is that it is not the usual rectangle. The Japanese source refers to Article 8 of Nepal’s Constitution as describing the traditional flag formed from two triangles. The upper part bears a white moon, and the lower part a white sun with twelve rays. Crimson is Nepal’s national color and is also associated with the rhododendron, its national flower. The blue border is generally interpreted as peace and harmony. The sun and moon have been explained as symbols of national endurance: Nepal will continue to exist as long as the sun and moon remain.

Flag story

Nepal’s flag is interesting not only because of its shape. The Constitution gives remarkably detailed instructions for drawing it. Schedule 1 begins by setting out a reference line and constructing another line by adding one-third of its length. It continues through the arcs of the moon, the sun’s twelve rays and the blue border, providing a twenty-four-step geometric construction. It is, in other words, a national flag that can be drawn with a ruler and compasses by following constitutional instructions.

Editorial notes and references

Edited by ABELHA WORKS. The English text translates the administrator-edited Japanese description. Legends should be distinguished from documented history. General reference links do not substantiate every statement in the text.

• Nepal — general information on Wikipedia
• Japan MOFA: countries and regions (Japanese)

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