Flag of Switzerland: the square flag and facts for kids

What does the flag of Switzerland look like?

The flag of Switzerland is red, with a white cross in the middle. It is square, unlike most flags.

Where did the flag come from?

The flag goes back to Schwyz, a part of Switzerland that added a white cross to its red flag in 1240. The name Switzerland comes from Schwyz.

The square red flag with a white cross became the national flag on land by law in 1889.

Flags that look like the flag of Switzerland

Some flags use the same colours or the same shape. Here is how to tell them apart:

Switzerland in a nutshell

• Seat of government: Switzerland calls Bern its federal city rather than its capital, but it is where the government sits.
• Continent: Europe
• Countries next door: Austria, France, Italy, Liechtenstein and Germany.
• A fact to impress your friends: Switzerland is one of only two countries with a square flag. The other is Vatican City.

Quick quiz: the flag of Switzerland

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