Somaliland, by contrast, is an unrecognised state larger than England and home to 3.5 million people, but it has an independent, democratically elected government and its own army, flag, media and border control, but must rely on an uneasy relationship with Somalia for matters like international diplomacy and large scale public works.

BBC: Somaliland: Africa��s unofficial country

To shore up votes for Kadima and Labor, the media had to swallow their pacifist pride and rally around the flag.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Israel's media star chambers

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has designated 18 days on which the Union flag is flown in Northern Ireland in 2013.

BBC: Queen Victoria and union flag