National flowers serve as symbolic representations of a country’s natural beauty, heritage, and cultural pride. These floral emblems often hold deep historical or cultural significance, showcasing the nation’s connection to its land and identity. Across the globe, countries have selected flowers that best represent their natural ecosystems, from the resilient Golden Wattle of Australia to the vibrant Rose of the United States.
In some regions, flowers are chosen to honour indigenous traditions, while in others, they symbolise a unique aspect of national character or history. Whether it's the Black Orchid of Belize or the Bayahibe Rose of the Dominican Republic, each national flower tells a story about the country it represents, often becoming an integral part of national celebrations, emblems, and cultural traditions. Here is a list of national flowers across the world.
How do countries decide their national flowers? Countries decide on their national flowers based on cultural significance, biodiversity, and symbolism. Often, the chosen flower has deep roots in a nation's history or folklore, representing pride and identity. Native plants are typically favoured to promote ecological conservation and reflect local ecosystems.
The process may involve formal legislative action, where governments introduce bills to officially recognize a flower. Public involvement is also common, with polls or contests allowing citizens to have a say in the selection, fostering national pride.