Flag of Iceland

Flag of Iceland

The flag of Iceland followed the example of the other Scandinavian countries and consists of a blue background bearing a red cross, which is embedded in the traditional white Scandinavian cross. The blue color is supposed to represent omnipresent Atlantic Ocean, the red lava and Icelandic volcanoes, and the white stands for another Icelandic natural landmarks - glaciers and geysers. The red cross also points to the historical ties with Denmark, that dominated Iceland since the 14th century. Iceland adopted the flag in 1918, when it won the statute of the autonomous territory of Denmark. However, the flag did not became official national flag until 1944, when Iceland became a fully independent.

Country information

Sovereign State Yes
Country codes IS, ISL (ISO 3166-1)
Official name Iceland
Capital city Reykjavik
Continent Europe
Member of United Nations, NATO, Nordic Council
Population 364 260 (2019)
Total area 103 000 km2
Highest point Hvannadalshnúkur (2 110 m, 6 923 ft)
Lowest point North Atlantic Ocean
GDP per capita $ 73 191 (World Bank, 2018)
Currency Icelandic króna (kr, ISK)
Calling code +354
Internet TLD .is

Country location