What Is FIAV.org and What Organization Does It Represent?

Updated

FIAV.org is the website of the Fédération internationale des associations vexillologiques (FIAV), the international federation of vexillological associations and institutions. According to the site, FIAV brings together 51 regional, national, and multinational associations and institutions worldwide whose purpose is the pursuit of vexillology—the creation and development of a body of knowledge about flags of all types, their forms and functions, and the scientific theories and principles based on that knowledge.

What FIAV Is

FIAV is a federation, not an individual membership society. Its members are organizations—regional, national, and multinational associations and institutions—rather than individual flag enthusiasts. The site describes vexillology as the study of flags of all types, including their forms and functions, along with the scientific theories and principles derived from that study.

FIAV's Stated Purposes

The site lists four purposes for the federation:

  • Build bonds among member organizations — create a strong bond among member associations and institutions and encourage and coordinate their work, studies, and research.
  • Support international congresses — promote the organization of International Congresses of Vexillology and lend support to their organizers.
  • Encourage new associations — encourage the creation of vexillology-focused associations and institutions in all countries.
  • Recognize international standards — recognize international standards that facilitate the development of these activities.

What This Means for a Visitor

If you are looking for a single organization to join as an individual, FIAV.org is not structured that way based on the site's description: its membership consists of associations and institutions. If you represent a regional, national, or multinational vexillological group, FIAV is the body that coordinates work across such organizations and supports international congresses. If you are researching flags or the field of vexillology, the site identifies FIAV as the international umbrella body connecting the associations that pursue that study.

The site's welcome page was last updated on July 19, 2026, per the page itself.