Canton (flag)

For instance, British ensigns have the Union Jack as their canton, as do their derivatives such as the national flags of Australia and New Zealand.

Following the practice of British ensigns, a canton sometimes contains a symbol of national unity, such as the blue field and white stars of the flag of the United States of America.

Subsequently, many New World nations (along with other later countries and regions, such as Liberia or Malaysia) that were inspired by the United States adopted flag elements that were inspired by the American flag.

As a result, many extant uses of a prominent canton derive either from British territorial history, or American influence and inspiration.

All of the Australian states (although not the territories) use the UK's national flag in their cantons.