Throughout the ages flags have been a means of cultural and national identity， communication， and a means of representation for groups and associations。 Compiled by a leading authority this book， newly updated for this larger format edition， is a definitive and exhaustive visual reference to international flags， from the largest countries to the smallest states。 Split into two sections， the first part of the book presents a fascinating overview of the history of flags， from the 3rd century BC to the 21st century。 The second section covers over 600 flags in current use， including a continent- by-continent examination of countries， territories， organizations， individuals and causes。 Lavishly illustrated， this book is both a stunning reference book and an invaluable resource。 Fascinating and compelling， it offers historical， geographical and political insights into one of our most ancient forms of identification and communication。