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Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh)

Geography and history
Description of the flag

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Geography and history

Artsakh is better known internationally as Nagorno-Karabakh. This is the largely Armenian region to the east of the Republic of Armenia. Since 1991, Artsakh has been at war with Azerbaijan, of which it was formerly legally part. In the past 2 years, with tacit support from Armenia and Russia, Artsakh has completely liberated its own territory and occupied large areas of Azerbaijan.
Stuart Notholt

Description of the flag

Artsakh's flag is derived from that of Armenia, which is a red-blue-orange horizontal tricolour. The westwards pointing arrow signifies very graphically Artsakh's current separation from Armenia proper, and its hopes for union with the motherland. The design also recall that of the world famous (and very expensive) Armenia rugs.

Whatever the rights and wrongs of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, the Artsakh flag is surely a good example of what a national flag should be - it is highly distinctive and individual and encapsulates its nation's history, culture and aspirations.
Stuart Notholt