Switzerland

Swiss Confederation
Adopted	1841
Proportions	1:1
Emoji	🇨🇭

The flag of Switzerland consists of a red square with a bold, equilateral white cross (known as a Greek cross) in the center. The white cross is also known as the Swiss cross: its arms are equal with their ratio of length to width being 7:6. The size of the cross in relation to the field was set in 2017 as 5:8.

Alongside the flag of the Vatican City, it is one of only two square national flags in the world.

Design

According to the 2017 flag law (SR 232.21), "the Swiss flag shows a Swiss cross on a square background". Special provisions are made for the naval ensign and for civil aircraft identification. The Swiss cross is defined as

"a white, upright, free-standing cross depicted against a red background, whose arms, which are all of equal size, are one-sixth longer than they are wide."

The name of the flag of the Swiss Confederation is a nominal compound, Schweizerfahne.

The flag is emblazoned in English as, "Gules, a cross coupée argent."

Colors

The shade of red had not been defined by law until 2017. Since then, the colour of the flag is defined as pure red, using #FF0000 or #DA291C, which corresponds to Pantone 485C.

History

In the 14th century, Swiss soldiers went into battle marked with a white cross on a red base as a sign of their Christian faith and to distinguish themselves from their enemies. This later became the country's coat of arms and then flag.

Symbolism

The cross represents the Christian faith. The flag traditionally stands for fidelity, freedom, and honour.

Trivia

• The Swiss flag is one of only two national flags on a square-shaped design. The other is the flag of the Vatican City.
• The flag of the Red Cross is based off the Swiss flag, but inverted.