Plans for largest flagpole unfurled in Tajikistan

The impoverished Central Asian nation of Tajikistan has announced plans to take flag-waving to new heights.

The President's press service said yesterday that work has started on building the world's tallest flagpole. At 165m (540ft) it would narrowly outstrip Azerbaijan's 162m staff.

The flagpole, outside the Palace of Nations in the centre of the capital Dushanbe, is to be completed in March. No cost estimate was given.

Last year, a 1,500m national flag was paraded through the city centre to mark Flag Day.