Flag is a piece of cloth, usually with a picture or design on it, that stands for something. A flag may represent a nation, person, or organization; it may symbolize a belief or idea; or it may transmit information. The most important group of flags are probably national flags. A nation's flag is a stirring sight as it flies in the wind. Its bright colors and striking design stand for the country's land, its people, its government, and its ideals. A country's flag can stir people to joy, to courage, and to sacrifice. Special rules for display and care have grown up around people's wish to honor their nation's flag.

Nations use many kinds of flags besides national flags. Some countries fly a special state flag over embassies and other government buildings at home and abroad. Presidents, kings, queens, and other government leaders may have their own flags. States, provinces, and cities are represented by flags. Some flags stand for international organizations, such as the United Nations (UN) and the Red Cross. Such regional groups as the Organization of American States and the European Union have flags. Other organizational flags include those of youth groups, like the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts, and hobby societies. Many religions and churches have their own flags. Flags also may be used to send messages.

Such peoples as the Egyptians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans carried flaglike objects thousands of years ago. These "flags," called standards, consisted of symbols attached to the tops of poles. The symbols, which might include cloth, wood, metal, and other materials, usually stood for the people's gods or rulers. Soldiers carried the symbols into battle, hoping that their gods would help them win.

Flags became important during battles for a variety of reasons. Soldiers of the Egyptians and other ancient peoples sometimes tied streamers to the poles they carried. The streamers