The World Atlas of Flags is a reference work for scholars and students, as well as a fascinating read for anyone interested in knowing more about vexillology - the study of flags. Beginning with the history of flags and heraldry, it explores the use of symbols and colours, flags in the military and at sea, and the flags of international organizations, such as the UN and Red Cross. The bulk of the book is a directory of flags of the world's nations. Listed by continent, each entry includes the national, or civil, flag, with some background on its origin and meaning. Where applicable, information is given on the similarities between flags of neighbouring states, or even of nations far apart that, through conquest or other historical ties, have common elements in their flags. Concise statistics help place each nation in a contemporary context, while locator maps site them geographically.