Flag of United Kingdom
The "Union Jack"
Official Palette
Symbolism
The 'Union Jack' is a composite design representing the union of three kingdoms. It combines the red cross of St George (England), the white saltire of St Andrew (Scotland), and the red saltire of St Patrick (Ireland).
History
The current version was adopted in 1801 with the Act of Union between Great Britain and Ireland. Because Wales was historically a principality of England, it is not separately represented on the national flag.
Construction
The flag has a 1:2 aspect ratio. It is composed of a blue field with three layered crosses: a red central cross, a white saltire, and a red saltire.
Color Meanings
Country Facts
- Population
- 69.9M
7.5% of Europe
- Capital
- London
- Languages
- English
- Continent
- Europe
- Subregion
- British Isles
- Landlocked
- No
- Borders
- ISO 3166-1
- GB
IrelandFlag Identification
- Adopted
- January 1, 1801
- Proportions
1:2
Influences
Flags with resemblance
Visually close designs — compare colors and emblems, or try similarities mode.
Related flags
Flag Protocol
- Must be flown with the wider white diagonal stripe at the top closest to the hoist
- Flying it upside down is a signal of distress
Practice
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