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Flag of the United Kingdom: the Union Jack and facts for kids

A blue field with a red cross edged in white, laid over red and white diagonal crosses.

The flag of the United Kingdom is called the Union Flag or the Union Jack. Here is how it is made of three crosses, which flags carry it, and a quick quiz to try.

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What does the flag of the United Kingdom look like?

The flag of the United Kingdom is blue, with a red cross edged in white, laid over red and white crosses that go from corner to corner.

It is called the Union Flag or the Union Jack. Either name is fine.

How was it made?

In 1606, under King James I, the cross of St George, for England, was joined with the cross of St Andrew, for Scotland.

On 1 January 1801, the cross of St Patrick, for Ireland, was added. That made the flag flown today.

Flags that carry the Union Flag

These flags have the Union Flag in their top corner. Here is how to tell them apart:

Flags that carry the Union Flag, and how each one differs
FlagHow it differs
AustraliaOn blue, with a big seven-pointed star and five white stars.
New ZealandOn blue, with four red stars edged in white.
FijiOn light blue, with a shield on the right.

The United Kingdom in a nutshell

Quick quiz: the flag of the United Kingdom

Try these, then tap Show answer under each one.

  1. Which saint's cross stands for Scotland on the Union Flag?

    • St George
    • St Andrew
    • St Patrick
    • St David

    St Andrew. The cross of St George stands for England, St Andrew for Scotland and St Patrick for Ireland.

  2. True or false: Union Flag and Union Jack are both accepted names for the UK's flag.

    True.

  3. In which year was the cross of St Patrick added to the Union Flag?

    • 1066
    • 1606
    • 1801
    • 1953

    1801.

  4. Which of these countries is next door to the United Kingdom?

    • France
    • Ireland
    • Norway
    • Iceland

    Ireland.

  5. Which country's flag has the Union Flag in its corner and four red stars?

    • New Zealand
    • Australia
    • Fiji
    • Canada

    New Zealand. New Zealand's four stars are red. Australia's are white.

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