1962 Prem Educational Chart of the Flags and Aircraft Insignia of the World

This is a c. 1962 Prem Educational Stores New Delhi issued vexillology chart of the flags and 'war plane signs' of the world. This chart is notable for including a number of unique and ephemeral flags, including the United Arab Republic, Somaliland, and the State of Vietnam. Some of the choices reflect political alignments critical of colonial authority.

A Closer Look

The flags of 103 nations are illustrated, along with the insignia used by 52 nations to identify their aircraft. Divided by continent, rough groupings of flags include Asia, North America, Central America, South America, and Europe. Australia's flag and insignia are included in their own section. Qatar and Oman are curiously included with Cuba, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. North Vietnam is included with Argentina, Chile, and Brazil.

Political Statements through Vexillology

Several ephemeral flags are also illustrated here, such as the flag of the U. A. R. (United Arab Republic), which is also inexplicably grouped with the South American flags. The U.A.R. existed from 1958 until 1971 in two different forms. The first U. A. R. (1958 - 1961) was a political union between Egypt and Syria. Syria seceded from the union in 1961 after a coup d'état, but Egypt continued to be known officially as the 'United Arab Republic' until 1971. Another ephemeral flag is the flag of the State of Vietnam. This flag is presented as the flag of Vietnam but represents more properly the State of Vietnam, which, from 1949 to 1955, during the First French-Indochina War (1946 - 1954), claimed authority over all of Vietnam. The Malayan flag representing the Federation of Malaya was used between 1948 and 1963 when Malaysia was formed. Other intriguing flags include the flag of Tibet and flags representing both Communist China and the Republic of China. The U.N. flag and the Red Cross flag are illustrated on either side of the title.

Publication History and Census

This chart was produced c. 1962 by the Prem Education Stores in New Delhi, India. Only known example.