It’s easy to think of national flags as boring rectangles with cool flag , stripes and perhaps an esoteric crest. But vexillophiles, or flag enthusiasts, know better. For them, flags are more than a patriotic display or a quiz show curiosities, they’re windows into a nation’s history and identity. And they come in all shapes and colors, with a wide array of meanings to boot.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the coolest country flags in the world.

The flag of Malawi in Southeastern Africa is a case study in the power of a few shapes and colors. Its blazing sun, with 31 rays, represents the country’s position as the 31st state freed from European rule; its black stands for indigenous people; the red stands for the blood spilled in liberation; and the green symbolizes the natural bounty of the region.

Moreover, the design looks cool, too. The colors are soothing and inviting; it just makes you want to curl up with a blanket and read a book.

Cool Flags That Turn Heads: Designs That Make a Statement

South Korea’s elegant flag is a triumph of simplicity. It’s an elegant flag that passes the famous test of whether or not a child can draw it from memory. The red-sun symbol on the white rectangle is a simple, powerful image that instantly brings to mind this country’s enlightened traditions.

While many country flags incorporate the traditional elements of a cross or crest and bicolors, there are plenty that make their own distinctive mark on the world. For example, the flag of Nauru (which you can buy here) features a winged dragon that embodies this Pacific island nation’s legendary heritage and is just plain cool.