Flag of the Faroe Islands

Flag_of_the_Faroe_Islands_(tail)

Fámjin.flag

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FaroeseFlag

== Flag of the Faroe Islands ==

The Flag of the Faroe Islands

The Flag of the Faroe Islands (Faroese: Merkið) is the national flag of the Faroe Islands, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. The flag is a cross flag, similar to other Nordic countries' flags, with an offset cross. The flag's design and colors are derived from the Danish flag, the Dannebrog, with a white field and a red cross outlined in blue.

History

The flag was designed in 1919 by Faroese students Jens Oliver Lisberg, Janus Øssursson, and Paul Dahl. It was first raised in the village of Fámjin on June 22, 1919. The flag was officially recognized by the British government during World War II on April 25, 1940, when the Faroe Islands were under British occupation. This date is now celebrated annually as Flag Day in the Faroe Islands. The Danish government officially recognized the flag on April 23, 1948, following the establishment of the Faroe Islands as a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.

Design and Symbolism

The flag consists of a white field with a red cross outlined in blue. The cross is shifted towards the hoist side, following the traditional Nordic cross design. The white color symbolizes the pure sky and the foam of the waves, the red represents the blood of the Faroese people, and the blue symbolizes the sea surrounding the islands.

Usage

The flag is used both as a civil and state flag and is flown on public buildings, private homes, and ships registered in the Faroe Islands. It is also used during official ceremonies and national celebrations.

Related Pages

• Faroe Islands
• Nordic cross flag
• Dannebrog
• Flag Day
• Kingdom of Denmark

See Also

• List of flags of Denmark
• History of the Faroe Islands
• Culture of the Faroe Islands