Nordic cross flag
Shetlopedia - The Shetland Encyclopaedia
The Nordic cross is an almost universal feature of flags across the Nordic countries. The flags all take their inspiration from the old flag of Denmark, the Dannebrog, which originates with a crusader flag.
The following countries feature Nordic crosses as part of their flag:
- The Åland Islands
- Denmark
- The Faroe Islands
- Finland
- Iceland
- Norway
- The Orkney Islands
- Sweden
The Kalmar Union also had a Nordic cross flag.
The following countries/regions have unofficial Nordic cross flags, popularity of which may vary considerably:
- Barra
- Calais
- Estonia
- Frisia/Friesland
- Germany (but see note below)
- Gotland
- Ingria
- Jutland
- Normandy
- Northern England
- Outer Hebrides
- Scania
- South Uist
The flag also appeared in the Nazi war ensign and Kaiserliche Marine. However, there have been various non-Nazi proposals for German flags on this design, notably in certain regions.
The flag also influenced the design of the flag of Greenland, and the Sami people.
