Flag of the Faroe Islands
| Merkið | |
| Use | National flag and civil ensign |
|---|---|
| Proportion | 8:11 |
| Adopted | 25 April 1940 |
| Design | A blue-fimbriated red Nordic cross on a white field |
| Designed by | Jens Oliver Lisberg |
The flag of the Faroe Islands (Merkið, pronounced [ˈmɛʃtʃɪ]; lit. "the banner") is a Nordic cross on a white field, with a red cross fimbriated in blue. It is part of the Nordic cross tradition and is commonly interpreted as a Christian symbol.
The design was created in 1919 by Faroese students in Copenhagen led by Jens Oliver Lisberg, and was first hoisted in the Faroe Islands at Fámjin on 22 June 1919. During the British occupation of the Faroe Islands in World War II, the British authorities recognised Merkið for use by Faroese vessels on 25 April 1940; the date is observed as Flaggdagur (Flag Day). The flag is recognised in the Faroe Islands’ 1948 home-rule settlement, which provides that “a special Faroese flag is recognised”.