The Finnish flag, the blue cross, is a national emblem of the Finnish state along with the coat of arms and the national anthem.

The flag features a sea blue cross on a white background and the shape of the cross is in the Nordic style, hinting at the Christian faith. It was officially declared the Finnish national flag on May 29th 1918.

The flag of Finland dates back to halfway through the 1800s. Originally it was designed to make it easier to recognize Finnish merchant ships as the vessels were often subject to attack from the enemies of Russia.

In 1861 Alexander II affirmed the rules of the Nyländska Yacht Club that flags flown by vessels belonging to the club should be ‘white with an upright blue cross’. In 1863 a proposal was made to Diet for a flag for the whole Grand Duchy. The matter was dropped, however, as it was never allowed to be discussed.

The flag matter arose again during the time of oppression and gave rise to a flag with a lion based on the coat of arms. Two colours were mooted during discussion - a reddish yellow and sea blue. A cross was the most widely proposed design.

When Finland became independent in 1917, the country needed its own official flag. Since there had been no unanimity in the matter of the flag design, a lion-based flag was used in the interim. Following the civil war, it was decided to adopt the blue and white flag. As far as the cross was concerned it matched other Nordic countries but the colour was sufficient to distinguish it.

There are three different types of flag depending on usage. The national flag or the usual blue cross on white background, the state flag and the pennant.

Every one has the right to fly the Finnish flag when they consider fit. Good practice regarding the flag is always to be observed.