Sweden

3×5' nylon national flag of Sweden.

Sweden's blue and gold come from the national arms, three golden crowns on blue, and from the arms of the Folkung dynasty. A golden cross on blue was in use by the sixteenth century.

Design

A blue field with a yellow Nordic cross, its upright set toward the hoist.

History & Symbolism

The design was likely inspired by the Dannebrog of Denmark, which shares the off-center cross. The flag was regulated by law in 1663 for naval use, and the present form was fixed by the Swedish Flag Act of 22 June 1906. National Day, 6 June, was long known as Swedish Flag Day.

Flag Specifications

• In use since: 16th century; current law 1906
• Official proportions: 5:8
• Colors: blue, yellow

Vexillographer's Note

Sweden's naval and state flag is a swallowtail with a third tongue between the tails, one of the most distinctive flags afloat.

Humphrys Flag Company · Old City Philadelphia · Est. 1864