Flag of Åland Islands

Europe

1954

AX | 17:26

Symbolism

Blue represents the sea surrounding the islands. Yellow represents the sun and the golden grain fields. Red represents the granite cliffs and the Swedish heritage of Åland. Together the Nordic cross marks Åland's autonomous status within Finland while retaining cultural ties to Sweden.

History

The flag was approved by the Parliament of Åland (Lagtinget) on April 3, 1954, after decades of debate following the League of Nations settlement that granted the islands autonomy under Finnish sovereignty with demilitarization guarantees.

Construction

A 26:37 ratio Nordic cross: blue field with a yellow cross bordered in red, the vertical bar offset toward the hoist.

Color Meanings

blue: The Baltic Sea and loyalty

yellow: The sun and prosperity of the islands

red: Granite cliffs and Swedish cultural heritage

Country Facts

Continent: Europe
Landlocked: No
ISO 3166-1: AX

Flag Identification

Adopted: April 3, 1954
Proportions: 17:26 (≈1.529)
De Jure Ratio: 26:37

Influences

Swedish flag

Finnish flag

Nordic cross tradition

Related flags

Flag Protocol

The cross must use Swedish colors on a blue field derived from the Finnish flag
Flown alongside Finnish and Åland regional symbols on official buildings

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