Flag of the United Nations facts for kids
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Proportion | 2:3 or 3:5 |
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Adopted | December 7, 1946 |
Design | A white UN emblem (a polar azimuthal equidistant projection world map surrounded by two olive branches) on a blue background. |
Designed by | Donal McLaughlin (emblem only) |
The flag of the United Nations is a very important symbol for the United Nations (UN). It was officially chosen on December 7, 1946. This flag shows the UN's main symbol in white, placed on a bright blue background. A person named Donal McLaughlin helped design this special emblem.
The flag's design tells us a lot about what the UN stands for. The olive branches on the flag are a well-known sign for peace. They show that the UN wants to help countries live together without fighting. The world map on the flag represents all the people and countries around the globe. It reminds us that the UN works for everyone.
The colors of the flag, white and blue, are also important. White and blue are the official colors of the United Nations. They stand for peace and hope.
Contents
History of the UN Flag
When the Flag Was Chosen
The United Nations flag was officially adopted on December 7, 1946. This happened after the UN had been formed to help keep peace in the world. Before this, a similar design was used on the United Nations Charter in 1945.
Who Designed the Emblem
The main symbol on the flag, called the emblem, was designed by Donal McLaughlin. He created the image of the world map surrounded by olive branches. This design was chosen to clearly show the UN's goals of peace and unity.
What the Flag Means
Symbols of Peace and Unity
The flag's design is full of meaning. The two olive branches are a very old sign of peace. They remind us that the UN's main goal is to prevent wars and bring countries together. The world map shows all the continents. It represents all the people and nations that the United Nations serves.
The Colors of the UN
The colors used on the flag, white and blue, were carefully chosen. White is often seen as a color of peace and purity. Blue is a calm color that can represent the sky or the oceans. Together, these colors show the UN's hope for a peaceful and united world.
Images for kids
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The flag flying at United Nations Plaza in the Civic Center, San Francisco, California
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Insignia displayed on the cover of the United Nations Charter, 26 June 1945, predating the official adoption of a flag of the United Nations.
See also
In Spanish: Bandera de la Organización de las Naciones Unidas para niños