 The Union Jack remains one of the most instantly-recognised flags in the world .This is chiefly due not only to its iconic and unusual design, but the influence of British culture across the globe as a result of the British Empire, and its resulting presence in several Commonwealth nations' flags and heraldry.Because of this historical withstanding, the Union Jack can serve as an imperial, patriotic or nationalist symbol, and can be seen as to associate militarism, besides serving as the "de facto" national flag of the United Kingdom.