Flag of Norway
The off-center cross shows Norway’s links with the Norse countries. Norway was ruled by Denmark from 1397 till 1814, then by Sweden. Despite an active 19th century nationalist movement, the union with Sweden was not dissolved until 1905. General use of the flag was not allowed by the Swedes until the late 19th century. The addition of the blue cross over the white Danish one was a reference to the red, white and blue of the United States and the United Kingdom, as countries which were not ruled by an absolute monarchy. They also referred to the colors of France, by then recognized as revolutionary colors. As in Finland and Sweden, the modern naval ensign is sallow tailed with a tongue.
The ratio of the flag is 8:11.
