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Iceland Flag: Meaning and History

Embroidered flag patch — Iceland

History of the flag

Iceland became an independent part of the Kingdom of Denmark in 1918, and adopted its present flag.

In 1944, the Republic was officially proclaimed and its banner adopted.

What do the elements of the flag mean?

  • The blue recalls the Atlantic Ocean and the country's majestic waterfalls.

  • Represents glaciers, some of which are up to 1,000 meters thick (Vatnajökull).

  • Symbolizes lava, the brute force of nature. Together, these colors recall our attachment to Denmark.

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