FLAG MOTIF · 05
The Nordic Cross on Five Flags
Five flags, each with a cross. What do they share?
Look at where the cross meets, its colours and how the colours are layered.
LOOK · COMPARE · REVEAL
Where do the lines cross?
Compare all five before opening the answer. Which crosses seem to have two layers?
Looked closely? Reveal the answer
STEP 1 · SHARED SHAPE
The cross sits towards the flagpole
The vertical arm is left of centre on all five flags. This shared shape is commonly called the Nordic cross.
STEP 2 · COLOUR & LAYERS
Same placement, different colours and layers
Denmark
A white cross on red
Norway
A blue cross bordered in white on red
Sweden
A yellow cross on blue
Finland
A blue cross on white
Iceland
A red cross bordered in white on blue
Norway and Iceland have a cross within a contrasting border. Look at which colour is inside and which is outside.
STEP 3 · PROPORTION
Are the flags and crosses all the same size?
Official specifications set proportions and cross widths for each flag. Compare the flags again: the shared shape does not mean identical dimensions.
STEP 4 · HISTORY
Why do these flags share a cross?
Nordic cooperation describes Denmark as the first to adopt the cross design now seen on Nordic flags. Sweden's design is said to have drawn inspiration from Denmark's, while Norway's 1821 design was based on the Danish flag. The cross on Finland's flag is also described as a connection to the Nordic community. These are related histories, not one identical story of copying.
Iceland's cross is likewise described in relation to other Nordic flags. The colour choices and details developed differently in each place.
PUBLIC SOURCES
Sources for the designs and history
Explore the five countries
Why do the colours differ so much?
Return to the five flags. Which detail would you explore next?