National colours are frequently part of a country's set of
national symbol
A national symbol is a manifestation of a nation or community, serving as a representation of their National identity, identity and values. National symbols may be not only applied to sovereign states but also nations and countries in a state of ...
s. Many states and nations have formally adopted a set of
colours as their official "national colours" while others have ''
de facto'' national colours that have become well known through popular use. National colours often appear on a variety of different media, from the nation's
flag
A flag is a piece of textile, fabric (most often rectangular) with distinctive colours and design. It is used as a symbol, a signalling device, or for decoration. The term ''flag'' is also used to refer to the graphic design employed, and fla ...
to the colours used in
sport
Sport is a physical activity or game, often Competition, competitive and organization, organized, that maintains or improves physical ability and skills. Sport may provide enjoyment to participants and entertainment to spectators. The numbe ...
s. Before
World War I
World War I or the First World War (28 July 1914 – 11 November 1918), also known as the Great War, was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War I, Allies (or Entente) and the Central Powers. Fighting to ...
, they also served as the colours of different military uniforms for each nation or region.
Africa
North America
Sub-national colours
South America
Asia
Sub-national colours
Europe
Sub-national colours
Oceania
Sub-national colours
Countries with limited or no recognition
These are the national colours for
countries or states that have limited or no recognition.
Former countries
Caliphates
Ancient/Imperial Chinese dynasties
Supranational organisations
Some noted
supranational organisations like the
United Nations
The United Nations (UN) is the Earth, global intergovernmental organization established by the signing of the Charter of the United Nations, UN Charter on 26 June 1945 with the stated purpose of maintaining international peace and internationa ...
and the
European Union
The European Union (EU) is a supranational union, supranational political union, political and economic union of Member state of the European Union, member states that are Geography of the European Union, located primarily in Europe. The u ...
have their own colours as part of their
brand
A brand is a name, term, design, symbol or any other feature that distinguishes one seller's goods or service from those of other sellers. Brands are used in business, marketing, and advertising for recognition and, importantly, to create and ...
ing and
marketing
Marketing is the act of acquiring, satisfying and retaining customers. It is one of the primary components of Business administration, business management and commerce.
Marketing is usually conducted by the seller, typically a retailer or ma ...
. They are usually taken from the organisation's flag. Although they do not have national sporting teams, the colours can be used for anything connected to the organisation, like associated bodies.
Examples of use of these colours
* United Nations: the recognisable blue helmets of
the peacekeeping operations and the flags of associated UN agencies like the
World Health Organization
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a list of specialized agencies of the United Nations, specialized agency of the United Nations which coordinates responses to international public health issues and emergencies. It is headquartered in Gen ...
, with the UN's light blue and white.
*
European Union
The European Union (EU) is a supranational union, supranational political union, political and economic union of Member state of the European Union, member states that are Geography of the European Union, located primarily in Europe. The u ...
: the blue and yellow of the
EU flag; uses include the blue
European Health Insurance Card and the
Blue Card for skilled immigration.
See also
*
Tricolour
*
List of international auto racing colours
*
Lists of national symbols
References
{{National symbols
National colours
Color in culture