Finland .fi

Meaning of the Flag

The national flag of Finland, also known in Finnish as the siniristilippu ('Blue Cross Flag'), dates from the beginning of the 20th century. The flag was adopted after independence from the Russian Empire, but its design has roots in the 19th century. Symbolically, blue is said to represent the country's thousands of lakes and the sky, and white the snow that covers the land in winter. The Nordic cross pattern connects to the shared tradition with other Nordic countries. According to tradition, the flag was based on a design by the poet Zachris Topelius in about 1860.

Flag History

1. 1848
   The first known "Flag of Finland" was presented in 1848, along with the de facto national anthem "Maamme".
2. 1918–1920
   

   Shortly after Finland declared its full independence in 1917, a competition was held for the design of the Finnish flag.
3. 1944–1946
   

   Flag in use 1944–1946.
4. 1946–present
   

   Current national flag, in use since 1946.

Location