Of all the flags to fail the 'could-a-five-year-old-draw-this' test, Turkmenistan's is perhaps the most intimidating. The deep green background is simple enough, likewise the crescent and stars, but the five beautifully elaborate motifs running down the left-hand side would cause all but the most talented toddlers to throw down their crayons in despair. For centuries, these patterns have been woven into the lavish carpets the Turkmen people are known for, and respectively represent the Salor, Tekke, Saryk, Yomut and Chaudor tribes.
Stunning historic photos show what the world looked like in the 19th century