Flags of Iceland

The flag of Iceland was accepted in 1944. It is a canvas of blue colour on which the cross of red colour is represented with a white border. First the flag was ratified in 1918, when Iceland obtained a partial sovereignty from Denmark. The picture of the flag reflects with the Scandinavian tradition, coming from the flag of Denmark. The red colour of the cross also reminds about the influencing of Denmark. Blue and white colours are traditional colours of Iceland and contact with the colours of the order of the Silver falcon. Iceland is a republic with the presidential form of rule. The executive power in the country is in the hands of the President and the government. The cabinet is engaged in administrative work. The elections are every four years, and all citizens more above 18 years have an electoral right. The direct voting elects the president.

The official language is Icelandic. The official language of Iceland relates to the Scandinavian languages, included in the German group of Indo-European family of languages. The written language is on the basis of the Roman alphabet. The widest noted holiday is the Day of Independence (on 17 June). This is a time of colourful parades, music and dances in the streets, theatrical performances and other merriment. In the medieval Iceland the most widespread types of art was carving, making of silver decorations and stone sculptures for the decoration of churches.