THE SCANDINAVIAN CROSS ON FLAGS

The Scandinavian cross appears on numerous flags in northern Europe. The oldest is probably the flag of Denmark. Other nations with this cross appearing as the chief component include Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland. Other flags representing sub-national territories include Åland Islands, Scania, Faröe Islands, Shetland Islands, Normandy, Orkney Islands and Karelia.
 

Åland Islands (Ahvenanmaa) - Islands in the Gulf of Bothnia between Finland and Sweden. The people are Swedish but the islands were assigned to Finland following World War I. The flag dates from 1954.
Denmark (Danmark) - Arugably the oldest national flag. The Danebrog is seen throughout the nation.
Faröe Islands - Islands located approximately midway between Denmark, Iceland, and Scotland. They are a self-governing dependency of Denmark.
Finland (Suomi) - In this century Finland was part of the Russian Empire and established its independence at the end of World War I. The Finns fought the Soviet Army to a standstill in the early days of World War II but were defeated at the end of the war. The nation retained its independence by becoming neutral during the Cold War.
Iceland (Island) - Formerly part of the Kingdom of Denmark Iceland became fully independent in 1944.
Karelia - An area adjacent to Finland now largely peopled by Russians. Most Karelian migrated to Finland during and immediately after World War II. The flag is that of a short-lived republic absorbed into the Soviet Union following World War I.
Normandy - Flag of the Norman people. The flag is unofficial and has been banned at different times in France.
Norway (Norge) - Kingdom of Norway became independent from Sweden in 1905.
Orkney Islands - Islands off the northern coast of Scotland. Largely peopled by peole of Norse origin. The flag is unofficial.
Scania (Skåne) - The southern region of Sweden has a distinct culture and its own semi-official flag.
Shetland Islands (Zetland) - Northernmost islands of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants are largely of Norse origin. The flag is unofficial and dates from the 1960s.
Sweden (Sverige) - Kingdom of Sweden
Western Sweden (Västgötaland) - Region of western Sweden. This flag is unofficial but in limited use.

Concept by Phil Abbey. Uploaded April 7, 1998. Revised March 5, 2000.
Comments to pr_abbey@hotmail.com.