Note that some literature, especially German, gives often ratios as proportions of length to width. Usually there is no problems to determine what convention is used, but in some cases, especially if there is no accompaning image one should be carefull. After the ratio there are symbols of the international flag identification - one or more, as appropriate. Finally, there are two symbols devised by me to represent the ways of the flag design on the reverse and when hoisted vertically. The national flag, as well as the flags of other teritorial units, comprehends at least six different possible functions.
Some countries have one flag, others more.
The Flag Indentification Symbols are used in vexillologic publications to indicate the function of a particular flag with a grid of six cells with dots. The upper row of cells indicate the use on land and the lower on sea. State ensign War ensign Some countries have also a variety of national flags that are not covered with these functions, e.g. naval jack, air force ensign, civil air ensign etc. Such flags are much more rare, and their functions are indicated in text. Here are some of the most used combinations with explanations, and some more are shown in the summary above.