Flag of the Nordic Council

The flag of the Nordic Council representing the official cooperation of the Nordic countries.

Designed by Finnish artist Kyösti Varis flag was selected in 1984 under different designs and used in March 1985 at a meeting of the Nordic Council in Reykjavik for the first time.

On a white background is located in the middle of the abstract representation of a white swan on a circular navy blue field. It is recommended according to the Pantone Matching System, the hue Pantone Reflex Blue C, although other navy blue tones, or black may be used if necessary. The swan stands for the eponymous constellation Cygnus, which is also known as the Northern Cross. The eight wings with which the swan is depicted, representing the five Member States, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, and three autonomous territories of Åland, Faroe Islands and Greenland.

Before the introduction of the Flag of the Nordic Council demonstrated by the flag of the Kalmar Union, an association of the Scandinavian kingdoms in the 14th and 16th centuries, the traditional association of the Nordic countries.

In addition to the flag of the Nordic Council, the national flags of the members, mostly Scandinavian cross flags used.