Flag of Aland

The flag of Åland is composed of a blue background before which a double Scandinavian cross in yellow gold and red is superimposed. This flag arises from a fusion between the flags of Sweden and the primitive flag of Finland. The flag is designed by horizontal stripes in the ratio 16:3:4:3:26 and vertical stripes in the ratio 12:3:4:3:12.

History

The territory of the Åland Islands was an ancient province of Sweden until 1809 when it was incorporated into Finland under Russia's domination. With the independence of Finland in 1917, the natives took advantage of the situation to try to return to Sweden, however, this idea was rejected by the Nations Society that awarded the territory to the Finuses, but under a greater degree of autonomy, in 1921.

At this time, the first idea of a flag that will represent the natives of the åland islands arises. In 1922 an unofficial bicolor flag arose with three horizontal bands, yellow the central and the remaining in blue, based on the flag of Sweden and the shield of the province.

Only in the 1950s, the idea of an official flag was proposed, opening a contest. The favorite reasons were the Scandinavian cross and the colors of the previous teaching. The first proposal chosen (blue and double cross -yellow cross in yellow and central blue) caused government rejection due to its extreme similarity to the Swedish flag. Other ideas that were the tribanda of 1921 and a similar to the Finland flag with a yellow central cross.

Finally, the chosen one was the proposal of a Scandinavian cross of yellow and red color (colors of the Finland weapons coat) on a blue field like the Sweden pavilion, harmoniously mixing both countries as a sign of union. This flag was raised for the first time on April 3, 1954 in the city of Mariehamn.

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  Proposed "seven"

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  Proposal "Finnish"