The Flag of Svalbard and Jan Mayen

The flag of Svalbard and Jan Mayen does not exist as a unique entity; both territories use the flag of Norway. This is because they are both integral parts of the Kingdom of Norway, not separate entities with their own flags. The Norwegian flag features a red field with a blue cross outlined in white. The cross is shifted towards the hoist side, following the Nordic tradition.

The Flag of Svalbard and Jan Mayen

History of The Flag of Svalbard and Jan Mayen

The concept of a separate flag for Svalbard and Jan Mayen is not applicable, as they are governed under the sovereignty of Norway and thus use the Norwegian flag. Norway's current flag design was adopted on July 17, 1821, following a design by Fredrik Meltzer, a member of the Norwegian parliament. The flag design reflects Norway's independence and its connections to other Nordic countries through the use of the Nordic cross. Svalbard became a part of Norway in 1920, following the Svalbard Treaty, while Jan Mayen has been considered Norwegian territory since it was first discovered by Henry Hudson in 1607 and annexed in 1929. Over the years, both territories have been represented by Norway in international forums and use the Norwegian flag as their symbol.