Flag of Sweden
countryThe flag of Sweden was adopted on June 22, 1906. Blue field with a yellow Nordic cross. It uses 2 colours: blue and yellow. The official proportions are 5:8.
Hoist
Ratio 5:8
Fly
Basic Flag Information
| Flag Name | Flag of Sweden |
|---|---|
| Country | Sweden |
| Official Country Name | Kingdom of Sweden |
| Capital | Stockholm |
| Continent | Europe |
| Region | Northern Europe |
| ISO Country Code | SE / SWE |
| Internet Domain | .se |
| Calling Code | +46 |
| Currency | Swedish krona (SEK) |
| National Language(s) | Swedish |
| Demonym | Swedish |
| Area | 450,295 km² |
| Population | 11 million (2025 est.) |
Flag Specifications
| Official Flag Name | Flag of Sweden |
|---|---|
| Adopted On | June 22, 1906 |
| First Used | 1562 |
| Current Version Adopted | June 22, 1906 |
| Flag Proportion | 5:8 |
| Flag Shape | Rectangle |
| Number of Colors | 2 |
| Main Colors | Blue, Yellow |
| Design Type | Blue field with a yellow Nordic cross |
| Official Status | Official National Flag |
| Government Authority | Government of Sweden |
Flag Color Information
| Color | Appearance | HEX Code | RGB | CMYK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue | #006AA7 | 0, 106, 167 | 100, 37, 0, 35 | |
| Yellow | #FECC00 | 254, 204, 0 | 0, 20, 100, 0 |
Flag Design and Symbols
| Blue colour | Represents the field |
|---|---|
| Yellow colour | Represents the cross |
| Nordic cross | Christianity and the shared Nordic identity |
| Colours | Taken from the national coat of arms — three golden crowns on a blue field |
Flag History
| Year / Period | Event |
|---|---|
| 1562 | The design was first used |
| 1906-06-22 | The current flag was officially adopted |
| Present | The flag remains in official use |
| Present | The flag remains in official use |
Flag Dimensions and Construction
| Official Ratio | 5:8 |
|---|---|
| Width | 5 units (hoist) |
| Length | 8 units (fly) |
Sweden Flag Usage
| Government Buildings | Yes |
|---|---|
| Schools | Yes |
| Civil Use | Yes |
| Official Ceremonies | Yes |
| Sports Events | Yes |
| National Holidays | Yes |
| Military | Yes |
| Naval Use | Yes |
| Embassies | Yes |
| International Events | Yes |
Other Official Flags of Sweden
| Flag Type | Use | Link |
|---|---|---|
| National Flag | National representation | View flag |
| Civil Flag | Used by civilians | View flag |
| State Flag | Used by government | View flag |
| War Flag | Used during military operations | View flag |
| Naval Ensign | Used by the navy | View flag |
| Air Force Flag | Used by the air force | View flag |
| Presidential Standard | Used by the head of state | View flag |
| Royal Standard | Used by the monarch | View flag |
| Historical Flag | Previous national flag | View flag |
Quick Facts About the Flag
| Flag Age | 120 years old as of 2026 |
|---|---|
| Adoption Date | June 22, 1906 |
| Oldest Version | 1562 |
| Most Common Color | Blue |
| Similar Flags | Aland Islands |
| Unique Feature | Blue field with a yellow Nordic cross |
Other nordic cross flags
See all
Facts about the Flag of Sweden
- The blue and gold come from the Swedish coat of arms, three gold crowns on blue, which has been in use since the fourteenth century.
- The proportions and the exact placement of the cross are set out in law, and the flag has a designated flag day on 6 June, which is also the national day.
- The flag of Sweden was officially adopted on June 22, 1906.
- The design is older than its adoption. It was already in use in 1562, 344 years before it was formally made the flag of Sweden.
- The flag in its present form is 120 years old as of 2026.
- Design type: Blue field with a yellow Nordic cross.
- The official proportions are 5:8. It shares that ratio with 3 national flags.
- The flag uses 2 colours: blue and yellow.
- The blue on the flag stands for the field.
- The yellow on the flag stands for the cross.
- Nordic cross: Christianity and the shared Nordic identity.
- Colours: Taken from the national coat of arms — three golden crowns on a blue field.
- The design belongs to the "Nordic cross" family, shared with 8 other flags in this reference.
- Flags most often confused with it: Aland Islands.
- Sweden has been continuously sovereign since Gustav Vasa's accession on 6 June 1523 and was never colonised.
- Football and ice hockey are the two most popular sports.
- The national animal is the elk, with the blackbird as national bird.
- The national anthem is "Du gamla, Du fria".
Frequently Asked Questions about the Flag of Sweden
When was the flag of Sweden adopted?
The flag of Sweden was officially adopted on June 22, 1906, though the design had already been in use since 1562.
What do the colours of the flag of Sweden mean?
Blue for the field and yellow for the cross.
When did Sweden gain independence?
Sweden has been continuously sovereign since Gustav Vasa's accession on 6 June 1523 and was never colonised.
What is the national sport of Sweden?
Football and ice hockey are the two most popular sports.
What do the symbols on the flag of Sweden represent?
Nordic cross — Christianity and the shared Nordic identity. Colours — Taken from the national coat of arms — three golden crowns on a blue field.
What are the proportions of the flag of Sweden?
The official ratio is 5:8, which makes the flag rectangular. It shares those proportions with 3 national flags.
What is the national anthem of Sweden?
The national anthem is "Du gamla, Du fria".
When is the national day of Sweden?
It falls on 6 June, National Day of Sweden, and the flag is flown across the country.
What is the national animal of Sweden?
The national animal is the elk, with the blackbird as national bird.
What is the capital of Sweden?
The capital is Stockholm. The currency is the Swedish krona (SEK) and the language spoken is Swedish.