The flags

SWEDEN

Although the Swedish flag dates back to the 16^th century, its current colours and proportions were adopted in 1982.

By royal decree of 1569, King Johan III ordered that all vessels of the Swedish navy should fly the golden cross.

The flag, based on the Danish Dannebrog, bears the colours of the Swedish coat of arms, which dates from the 14^th century and consists of three golden crowns against a sky-blue background.