Flag of Finland
The identification of Finland with the Norse nations is reflected clearly in its flag. Finland was conquered by Sweden in the 12 th century, but passed into Russian control in 1809. The chance for independence was seized when Russia was in revolution in 1917, and although the flag was adopted then, its design dated from the 19 th century. The blue and white represent the Finnish lakes and snow. The state flag has the national arms in the center of the cross: a red field containing a lion rampant with a mailed arm bearing a sword, and treating on a scimitar, representing national resistance to eastern invaders. Its design dates from the 16 th century.
The colors are defined in both CIE 1931 and CIE 1976 standards, Swedish standard SS 01 91 22 and by the Pantone Matching system:
Scheme |
Blue |
Red |
Yellow |
CIE (x, y, Y) |
0.1856, 0.1696, 5.86 |
0.576, 0.312, 10.9 |
0.486, 0.457, 45.7 |
CIE (L*, a*, b*) |
29.06, 7.24, -36.98 |
39.4, 59.0, 29.6 |
73.4, 14.8, 79.0 |
SS 01 91 22 |
4060-R90B |
1090-Y90R |
0080-Y20R |
Pantone |
294 C |
186 C |
123 C |
There is no authorized RGB description for the colors. The blue color is often called "sea blue", which is a dark to medium blue.
As a fluke, the flag of Finland is similar as the flag of Shetland with the colors inverted. According to the Finnish law, it is prohibited to disfigure the flag or to utilize it in a ill-mannered way. It is as well unlawful to eradicate a flag from the pole without authorization. Anybody who breaks these rules may be fined for dishonoring the flag. There are also general set of laws on how to take care of the flag courteously. The flag must not be filthy or spoiled. The flag by no means must come in contact with the ground. When the flag is cleaned, it must be dried in the house. A used up flag must be disposed of by setting it on fire (however not with the intention to dishonor it), or otherwise by cutting it to pieces small enough not to be identifiable as pieces of the flag. The flag should not be buried in the ground or the sea.
The ratio of the flag is 11:18.
