Finland’s national flag is a white field with a blue Nordic cross.
The blue cross extends to the edges of the flag, with its vertical arm placed toward the hoist. The design is known in Finnish as the Siniristilippu, meaning “Blue Cross Flag.” Blue is traditionally associated with Finland’s lakes and sky, while white is associated with snow, though these meanings are interpretive rather than a complete official code.
The flag was adopted as Finland’s national flag on 29 May 1918, after the country declared independence from Russia in December 1917. Its Nordic-cross form reflects Finland’s cultural and historical links with the other Nordic countries.
The flags of Sweden, Iceland, Norway and Denmark also use Nordic crosses, but their colour combinations differ. Finland’s blue cross on white is therefore the key identifying feature. Finland also has a state flag bearing a crowned lion emblem, which is distinct from the plain national flag used by the public.