# flag of Sweden

> national flag of the Kingdom of Sweden

**Wikidata**: [Q81286](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q81286)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Sweden)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/flag-of-sweden

## Summary
The flag of Sweden is the national flag of the Kingdom of Sweden, officially adopted on June 22, 1906. It features a Nordic cross on a blue background, with the cross's arms extending to the edges of the flag. This design is shared with other Nordic countries, making it a distinctive feature of Scandinavian heraldry.

## Key Facts
- **Aliases**: flag of the Kingdom of Sweden, Swedish flag, Sweden flag
- **Inception**: June 22, 1906
- **Classification**: national flag of a country or nation
- **Related design**: Nordic cross flag, using a Scandinavian cross
- **Wikipedia title**: Flag of Sweden
- **Wikidata description**: national flag of the Kingdom of Sweden
- **Sitelink count**: 73 (indicating widespread online references)

## FAQs
**What is the design of the Swedish flag?**
The Swedish flag features a Nordic cross on a blue background, with the cross's arms extending to the edges of the flag. This design is shared with other Nordic countries, including Denmark, Norway, and Finland.

**When was the Swedish flag officially adopted?**
The flag was officially adopted on June 22, 1906, replacing an earlier version that had been in use since 1816.

**What other flags share a similar design?**
The flag of Sweden is part of the Nordic cross flag family, which includes flags of other Nordic countries such as Denmark, Norway, and Finland. These flags use a Scandinavian cross, a variation of the traditional cross.

**Is the Swedish flag used in any other contexts?**
While primarily a national flag, the Swedish flag is also used in various official and ceremonial contexts, representing the Kingdom of Sweden.

## Why It Matters
The flag of Sweden serves as a national symbol, representing the Kingdom of Sweden in both domestic and international contexts. Its adoption in 1906 standardized the national flag after earlier variations, reinforcing national identity and unity. The Nordic cross design, shared with neighboring countries, reflects shared historical and cultural ties among the Nordic nations.

## Notable For
- **Shared design**: The Nordic cross is a distinctive feature of Scandinavian heraldry, shared with other Nordic countries.
- **Official adoption**: The flag was officially adopted on June 22, 1906, after earlier variations.
- **National representation**: The flag represents the Kingdom of Sweden in official and ceremonial contexts.

## Body
### Design and Symbolism
The flag of Sweden features a Nordic cross on a blue background. The cross's arms extend to the edges of the flag, creating a symmetrical design. This Nordic cross is a variation of the traditional cross, shared with other Nordic countries, including Denmark, Norway, and Finland. The blue field represents the sea, reflecting Sweden's maritime history and its location along the Baltic Sea.

### History
The current design of the Swedish flag was officially adopted on June 22, 1906. This adoption replaced an earlier version of the flag, which had been in use since 1816. The 1906 version standardized the flag's design, ensuring consistency in its representation. The Nordic cross had been used in earlier Swedish heraldry, but the 1906 adoption formalized its use as the national flag.

### Usage and Context
The flag of Sweden is primarily used as the national flag of the Kingdom of Sweden. It is flown on government buildings, military installations, and during national celebrations. The flag is also used in international contexts, representing Sweden in diplomatic and ceremonial settings. Its shared design with other Nordic countries highlights the historical and cultural connections among the Nordic nations.

### Related Entities
The flag of Sweden is classified as a national flag, a type of flag used to represent a country or nation. It is also part of the broader category of Nordic cross flags, which include flags of other Nordic countries. These flags share a common design element, the Scandinavian cross, which is a variation of the traditional cross. The Nordic cross is a distinctive feature of Scandinavian heraldry, reflecting shared historical and cultural ties among the Nordic nations.

## References

1. [National Archives of Sweden](https://riksarkivet.se/sveriges-flagga)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. [Parliament of Sweden](http://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/lag-1982269-om-sveriges-flagga_sfs-1982-269)
4. [National Archives of Sweden](https://riksarkivet.se/flaggans-storlek)
5. BabelNet
6. Name Suggestion Index