Iceland

3×5' nylon national flag of Iceland.

Iceland's flag reads like a description of the island: blue for the mountains and sea, white for the ice and snow, and red for the fire of its volcanoes.

Design

A blue field with a red Nordic cross bordered in white, its upright set toward the hoist.

History & Symbolism

The design was first approved on 19 June 1915 for use within Iceland, then under Danish rule. It became the national flag when Iceland won sovereignty in union with Denmark in 1918, and the flag of the Republic of Iceland on independence, 17 June 1944. Like all Nordic cross flags, it follows the pattern of Denmark's Dannebrog.

Flag Specifications

• Adopted: 19 June 1915; national flag 1 December 1918
• Official proportions: 18:25
• Colors: blue, white, red

Vexillographer's Note

Iceland's flag is Norway's in reverse: Norway has a blue cross edged in white on red, Iceland a red cross edged in white on blue.

Humphrys Flag Company · Old City Philadelphia · Est. 1864