How many stripes are on the American flag?

The American flag features a total of 13 stripes, which represent the original 13 colonies that declared independence from Great Britain. These colonies are Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. The stripes alternate between red and white, with seven red stripes and six white stripes.

This design is a significant symbolic element of the flag, as it reflects the historical foundation of the United States. In addition to the stripes, the flag also has a blue field, known as the canton, which houses the 50 stars representing the states. The constant use and recognition of the flag in various aspects of American life further underscore its importance, making the number of stripes a key fact in understanding the flag's design and symbolism.