Flag of Iceland facts for kids

The national flag of Iceland.

The flag of Iceland is a very important symbol for the country. It shows a special design called a Nordic cross, which is red with a white outline, all on a blue background. This flag tells a lot about Iceland's history and its amazing nature.

What Does the Flag Look Like?

The Icelandic flag has a deep blue color. Across the flag, there is a bright red cross. This red cross has a white border around it. This style of cross is known as a Nordic cross. It is a common design for flags in countries like Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland. The cross is shifted a little bit towards the left side of the flag.

The Meaning Behind the Colors

Each color on the Icelandic flag has a special meaning. These meanings are connected to Iceland's unique landscape:

• Blue: This color stands for the vast Atlantic Ocean that surrounds Iceland. It also represents the tall, blue mountains that can be seen across the country.
• White: The white color reminds us of the snow and ice that cover many parts of Iceland. It also represents the country's many glaciers.
• Red: The red color symbolizes the fiery volcanoes that are active in Iceland. It also represents the lava that flows from these volcanoes. Some say it also stands for the blood shed during Iceland's fight for independence.

Together, these colors show the three main elements of Iceland's nature: fire, ice, and the ocean.

How the Flag Came to Be

The design of the Icelandic flag has a long history. It was first designed in 1913 by a man named Matthías Þórðarson. The flag was officially adopted on June 19, 1915. At that time, Iceland was still part of Denmark.

The flag became a symbol of Iceland's desire to be an independent country. When Iceland gained its full independence from Denmark in 1918, this flag became its national symbol. It was a proud moment for the nation. The flag is flown on many special days in Iceland, showing the country's history and pride.

Images for kids

• 

  Old Icelandic flag (which was never an official flag) in the National Museum of Iceland, in Reykjavik, Iceland.

• 

  Icelandic flags in Viðey

• 

  The Icelandic flag in Þingvellir National Park

• 

  Icelandic state flag at the Embassy in Helsinki.

See also

In Spanish: Bandera de Islandia para niños