Nordic Cross Flags

What is a Nordic cross?

A Nordic cross, or Scandinavian cross, has its vertical bar shifted toward the hoist, the side nearest the flagpole. All five Nordic countries use it: Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland. So do the Faroe Islands, Åland Islands, Svalbard and Jan Mayen and Bouvet Island.

The Nordic cross flags

• Denmark: white cross on red. The Dannebrog is the oldest and the model for the others.
• Sweden: yellow cross on blue.
• Norway: a blue cross with a white border on red.
• Finland: blue cross on white.
• Iceland: red cross with a white border on blue.
• Faroe Islands: blue-edged red cross on white.
• Åland Islands: a blue flag with a red cross edged in yellow.
• Svalbard and Jan Mayen and Bouvet Island: Norwegian territories that use the Norwegian flag.

History and meaning

The Danish flag appeared in the 14th century and became the model for the other Nordic flags. Sweden followed in the 16th century, and Norway, Iceland and Finland adopted their versions later, as they gained autonomy or independence. Finland chose its white and blue flag in 1918 after independence from Russia, and Iceland's current flag dates from 1944, when it became a republic.

The colors link back to each country's history. Red and white for Denmark, blue and gold for Sweden, and Iceland's colors reflect its nature: blue for the sea, white for ice and red for volcanic fire.

The design is so recognizable that many regional and local flags in the Nordic countries copy it, usually changing only the colors. Even outside the region, flags of Scandinavian communities often borrow the idea.

Because the design is so simple, the Nordic cross is easy to tell apart from the centered crosses of Switzerland, Greece and Malta. Look for the vertical bar sitting closer to the pole, and for a long horizontal arm reaching the fly edge.