Norwegian Flag
Norway was ruled by Denmark from 1397 to 1814, when it passed to
Sweden. Though it separated from Sweden in 1905, its current flag today
is still reminiscent of the one-time union.
Before it was united with Sweden, until 1814, the Norwegian flag bore an
off-center white cross on a red background. In 1821, during the time
Norway was united with Sweden, the blue cross of Sweden was added.
The flag that resulted — an off-center blue cross within an
off-center white cross on a red background — is still the current
flag of Norway.
The three colors — red, blue, and white — were chosen to honor the French tricolore, which represents liberty, equality, and fraternity. The colors were also chosen to honor both the United States and the United Kingdom, two countries with democratic governments.
Related Norwegian Links
- Norway Flag - description and illustration of the Norwegian flag.