Flag of Finland

The national flag of Finland features a blue Nordic cross extending to the edges of a white rectangular field. This cross is shifted horizontally toward the hoist side, following the traditional proportions of Scandinavian vexillology. No additional symbols or emblems are present on the civil and state version of the ensign.

The blue hue on the cross is intended to represent the country's thousands of lakes and the Finnish sky. White symbolizes the snow that covers the land during the winter months. By utilizing the Nordic cross, the design acknowledges Finland's historical and cultural connection to the other Nordic nations.

Following independence from the Russian Empire in 1917, the Finnish parliament officially adopted the current design on May 29, 1918. Prior to this, a red flag featuring a golden lion was used as a provisional national symbol based on the historic coat of arms. Artists Eero Snellman and Bruno Tuukkanen created the final blue-and-white design after a public competition to establish a distinct national identity.