Colors and the Meaning of the Iceland Flag
The Icelandic flag was formed by placing a red Scandinavian Cross with white border lines on a blue background. The vertical strip of the cross is located on the left side of the center of the flag. The cross-section of the flag (cross) symbolizes the connection between Iceland and Scandinavia. Flag of Iceland was designed by Matthias Thordarson.
Matthias Thordarson explains the colors in the flag: blue, mountains, white color, ice and snow, and the red represents Iceland’s volcanic activity and fire red. Blue and white are the traditional colors of the country. The Icelandic flag is an inverse version of the Norwegian flag, reflecting the connection of Iceland’s ancestors with Norway. It also contains red and white colors from the Danish flag.
History of the Iceland Flag
According to a legend told in Andrew Evans’s Iceland, a red cloth with a white cross fell from heaven to point out the Danish victory at the Battle of Valdemar in the 13th century. Denmark later used the cross of the flag of Scandinavia as a sign of a divine right. Iceland, on the other hand, continued to use the Christian symbol after independence.
The civilian flag of Iceland has been used as an unofficial symbol since 1913. The flag was officially adopted on June 19, 1915, to represent Iceland, and has been used in international seas since 1 December 1918, when Iceland became a separate kingdom in the family of Scandinavian countries. Other symbolic signs and colors in the flag indicate the natural characteristics of Iceland.
Before Independence
From 1350 onwards, Iceland began to use the coat of arms of a stockfish crowned on the red ground. It was combined with the coat of arms of the Danish kings and was thus part of the Danish Royal standard until this century. At the same time, the Greek royal family was closely related to Denmark, and the rigging was also part of the Greek Royal Flag.
In 1897, an unofficial flag was made with a white cross on a blue field, and this flag became popular until at least the current flag appeared in 1915. Although it was the flag of the Scandinavian cross, it was very similar to the Greek flag, and therefore did not receive official approval.
Neighboring Countries of Iceland
One island, and the European country of Iceland, which is the nearest neighbor of Greenland, 350 km away from the country. Other neighbors are Norway at 1,050 km distance, and Scotland 800 km away.
Main Characteristics of Iceland
Iceland means ice country. When it was first discovered by the Vikings, it was given this name because it was covered with glaciers. There are also about 200 volcanoes in the country. Every year many tourists travel to the country to watch the northern lights. Capital city Reykjavik is the city closest to the polar point in the country. In addition to the official language of Icelandic, English, and German are among the languages spoken. Icelandic krona is used as currency.
The climate is not very cold according to the latitude circle. Summers are moist and hot, and winters are not too harsh. Northern regions are colder than the south. In June, the sun does not sink for 18 days in the north. The basis of Icelandic cuisine is fish, lamb, and other natural foods. Randalin is a traditional dessert.
| Country | Iceland |
| Code | IS (ISL) |
| Calling Code | 354 |
| Capital City | Reykjavík |
| Currency | icelandic króna (ISK) |
| Emoji Symbol | 🇮🇸 |
| Highest Point | Hvannadalshnjúkur (2,110 m) |
| Internet TLD | .is |
| Population(2018) | 337,780 |
| Total Area | 103,000 km2 |