the Faroe Islands

The flag of the Faroe Islands is known as Merkið. Its design was created in 1919 by Faroese students in Copenhagen led by Jens Oliver Lisberg and was first raised at Fámjin on 22 June 1919. It came into unofficial use during the 1920s and early 1930s, was formally recognized on 25 April 1940 for Faroese vessels during the British occupation in World War II, and was later recognized in the 1948 Home-Rule Act. The white field is associated with bright sky and sea-foam, while the red and blue reflect colors long used in Faroese folk dress. The Nordic cross places it within the Scandinavian flag tradition and is commonly interpreted as a Christian symbol.