In the United States, flags can induce polarizing outcomes. The Confederate flag is held dearly in the deep Southern states (by some Southern citizens). Officially, we have the Star-spangled banner with the 50 white stars and all and that is flown around in major sporting events. I think flags are a good idea to have rallying emotions as long as something positive is coming out of it. But one flag that is close for one can be a symbol of hate for the other. So, it's a catch 22.
And then you have flags (like that of Iraq and Iran) which have a special religious statement/text printed on the center which invoke a lot of sentiments for millions of people. Such flags should be dealt with care and attention.
Perhaps they should all be dealt with care and attention as even though most do not have religious texts printed upon them , the often invoke very similar reactions.
Flags are fascinating and anyone interested in travelling the world and exploring various continents should study them (for their own safety at times). And if I am not mistaken, I was taught that there are 212 countries with individual flags (book was from UN). Did some countries merge or get toppled in the last 17 years?
it said 195 but didn't count Palestine. Some do. I think no one really knows the true number except for the flat earthers who can see them all at the same time in their satellite images.
edit: UN says 193
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/notesandqueries/query/0,,-1117,00.html
Look at the 5th comment.
That is quite interesting.
What about state flags, city flags?
Then, we have to go to 4 or 5 digits.. haha!!