Here in Panama, a huge flag flies over Ancon Hill, which overlooks Panama City. Back in Canal Zone days, the only flag that used to fly there was the US flag, and it was a major sore point. The flag on Ancon hill symbolizes the fact that Panama now has full sovereignty over all its territory again, and is a major national icon.
Partly because of the long struggle against US colonialism, Panamanians are very nationalistic, and Panamanian flags fly in many places. During major international sporting events in which Panama is involved, many people fly small flags from their car antennas.