Nordic Cross Flags of Northern Europe
Compare the five sovereign Nordic cross flags—Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland—alongside their statutory unit grids, fimbriation rules, and aspect ratios.
Vexillological background
Every sovereign Nordic nation flies a flag built around the same geometric principle: a Christian cross whose vertical arm is shifted toward the flagpole (hoist) rather than centered on the cloth. Originating with Denmark's medieval Dannebrog, this off-center layout keeps the cross optically balanced when the fly end flutters in maritime winds.
Within that shared silhouette, each Nordic state uses a distinct statutory unit grid and aspect ratio: Denmark (28:37), Sweden (5:8), Norway (8:11), Finland (11:18), and Iceland (18:25).
Flags in this collection (5)
Comparison table
| Entity | Category | Ratio | Layout | Primary colors | Adopted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denmark | countries | 28:37 | horizontal nordic cross | red, white | 1748-06-11 |
| Norway | countries | 8:11 | horizontal nordic cross | red, white, blue | 1821-07-13 |
| Sweden | countries | 5:8 | horizontal nordic cross | blue, yellow | 1906-06-22 |
| Iceland | countries | 18:25 | horizontal nordic cross | blue, white, red | 1944-06-17 |
| Finland | countries | 11:18 | horizontal nordic cross | white, blue | 1918-05-29 |