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Flags without countries
Do you recognize this flag? Neither did I. It's the flag of Lapland. Lapland isn't a country, but a region in northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia where the Sámi (Lapps) live. Only Norway recognizes this flag, and it's flown throughout the country on February 6 to celebrate Sámi National Day.
I discovered this flag in Aberystwyth, Wales, of all places, while walking along the seaside promenade. It was flying proudly in the stiff breeze and caught my attention because I'd never seen it before. Then I noticed a whole line of flags I'd never seen before. A sign explained that because the Welsh so rarely see their flag flying in foreign countries, they decided to fly the flags of various European regions that are seeking autonomy or independence. The display of flags without countries was an interesting lesson in European politics and history. Several are shown in the gallery.
Gallery: Flags without countries
Europe is a patchwork of different languages and cultural groups. Many are subsumed into greater national entities and this causes friction. One of the deepest divides in Europe is between is in Belgium, where Dutch-speaking Flanders in the north and French-speaking Wallonia in the south may very well become two different countries. Luckily this debate has been nonviolent, although not always civil.
Many regions are looking for greater linguistic recognition. France's strict one-language policy has raised the ire of groups that speak other languages, such as the people of Britanny and Alsace. Some linguistic regions, like Occitania, run across more than one country, further complicating any attempt at greater recognition.
Some independence movements are small, like that in Sardinia, while other are marred by a radical extreme that has undermined the legitimacy of the general movement, like in Corsica and the Basque region.
While none of the flags shown here represent actual nations, they do reflect the feelings of vibrant cultures that enrich Europe. Many of the people who fly these flags probably realize they won't ever see true independence, and some may not even want it. They fly these flags to show the world who they are. And you never know, when the monument was set up in Aberystwyth, it included the flags of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, and they're real nations now!
If you're interested in flags, check out the amazing Flags of the World website for lots more.
Many regions are looking for greater linguistic recognition. France's strict one-language policy has raised the ire of groups that speak other languages, such as the people of Britanny and Alsace. Some linguistic regions, like Occitania, run across more than one country, further complicating any attempt at greater recognition.
Some independence movements are small, like that in Sardinia, while other are marred by a radical extreme that has undermined the legitimacy of the general movement, like in Corsica and the Basque region.
While none of the flags shown here represent actual nations, they do reflect the feelings of vibrant cultures that enrich Europe. Many of the people who fly these flags probably realize they won't ever see true independence, and some may not even want it. They fly these flags to show the world who they are. And you never know, when the monument was set up in Aberystwyth, it included the flags of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, and they're real nations now!
If you're interested in flags, check out the amazing Flags of the World website for lots more.
Filed under: Activism, Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Europe, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Monaco, Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jake Jul 30th 2011 2:51PM
What a niche idea- shame they don't advertise who's flag it is at the bottom of the flag- however I suppose that would go against they point they are trying to pull over. I see that Scotland and Wales are represented on the promenade- is England (i.e St George?)
Sean McLachlan Jul 30th 2011 6:14PM
They do have signs on the flagpoles saying what flags they are. I don't recall there being an English flag. I could be wrong though.
Paul Harding Aug 2nd 2011 11:57AM
They were originally a collection of flags of small countries/regions, don't think that 'seeking independence' was a prerequit and to be honest I hope it wasn't. The first 15 flags from the South Beach end are the EU15 (1995-2004) then they move into other countries which today include the USA and England (neither obv fit the Independence theory) and the last but one is the Welsh flag.
The Countries name appears on the pole in Welsh, English and a/the native language of the region/country. There is an information board by the bandstand explaining it all.
David Horney Aug 3rd 2011 5:05AM
Sean,
The US has flags without a country...left over from the War of Northern Aggression. Offhand I recall the Stars and Bars and the (now infamous and inflammatory) Battle Flag!