Flag of Sweden
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The national flag of Sweden consists of a yellow or gold Nordic cross on a field of light blue. The Nordic cross design traditionally represents Christianity. The design and colours of the Swedish flag are believed to have been inspired by the present coat of arms of Sweden of 1442, which is blue divided quarterly by a cross pattée of gold. Blue and yellow have been used as Swedish colours at least since Magnus III's royal coat of arms of 1275.
Coastal defence ship HSwMS Gustav V in 1957, with the current naval ensign, and the greater coat of arms in the stern (Agfacolor).
Royal Flag of Sweden flying over the Royal Palace in Stockholm
One of the oldest preserved Swedish flags. This banner was made in 1620 and was used by soldiers on board ships of the Swedish Navy.
Swedish historic maritime flags at the Maritime Museum in Stockholm. The striped designs are some of the earliest variants on the general theme of the state colours of blue and yellow.
Flag of Norway
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The national flag of Norway is red with a navy blue Scandinavian cross bordered in white that extends to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog, the flag of Denmark.
The national flag of Norway during the World Expo in Paris (1937).