Flag of Sweden

Flag of Sweden

The Swedish flag was most likely inspired by the oldest Nordic flag - Danish Danneborg. Yellow cross on a blue background reaches the edges of the flag and its shorter arm is located closer to the left side of the flag. The characteristic yellow and blue color have probably originated in the 14th century, when the Swedish coat of arms with three gold crowns on a blue background was created. The flag has been used since 1521 and it became very popular during the reign of Gustav I Vasa. At that time, the yellow cross had to be compulsorily pictured on every cocard and battalion. However, the flag in its present form has not been adopted until 1906.

Country information

Sovereign State Yes
Country codes SE, SWE (ISO 3166-1)
Official name Kingdom of Sweden
Capital city Stockholm
Continent Europe
Member of United Nations, European Union, Nordic Council
Population 10 327 589 (2019)
Total area 450 295 km2
Highest point Kebnekaise (2 097 m, 6 880 ft)
Lowest point Kristianstad (-2 m, -7 ft)
GDP per capita $ 54 608 (World Bank, 2018)
Currency Swedish krona (kr, SEK)
Calling code +46
Internet TLD .se

Flags of neighboring countries

Country location