The CIA World Factbook Every edition, 1990 to 2025 Europe

Flag Denmark, in 36 editions.

The entry for Denmark published Flag in 36 editions of 36, from 1990 to 2025. The text changed in 14 editions. Each is shown as published. Flag in every entry.

editions changed the text
14
the first edition with it
1990
the latest edition with it
2025

Published as “Flag” (1990 to 2025) and “Flag description” (1997 to 2024).

field in that editiontext changed from the edition beforenot in that editionthe edition shownChoose an edition on the strip beside the text, or step through them with the arrows. Mark changes compares it with the edition before: the marks are ours, words added and words removed.

2025 edition

Changed since 2024

Open the 2025 entry

description:
red field with a white cross that extends to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the left
history:
  • referred to as the Dannebrog (Danish flag) and is one of the oldest national flags in the world;
  • the origin of the design is unclear;
  • one legend says that the banner fell from the sky during an early-13th-century battle and inspired the royal army to victory;
  • in actuality, the flag may derive from a crusade banner

note: Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and the Faroe Islands subsequently adopted the shifted-cross design

description: red field with a white cross that extends to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side; the banner is left
history:
referred to as the Dannebrog (Danish flag) and is one of the oldest national flags in the world; traditions as to the origin of the flag design vary, but the best known is a unclear; one legend says that the banner fell from the sky during an early-13th century battle; caught up by the Danish king before it ever touched the earth, this heavenly talisman early-13th-century battle and inspired the royal army to victory; in actuality, the flag may derive from a crusade banner or ensign
note: the shifted cross design element was subsequently adopted by the other Nordic countries of Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, as well as by and the Faroe Islands subsequently adopted the shifted-cross design

Cite this page

Central Intelligence Agency. “Denmark: Flag.” The World Factbook, 1990–2025 editions. Archived by The Factbook, thefactbook.org/denmark/flag.

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