Greenland Flag

The flag’s red half-circle represents the sun setting over the horizon and the ice cap, while the white half-circle symbolizes the glacial ice and snow. The white stripe stands for the ice sheet, land, and rivers, while the red stripe denotes the ocean and coastal settlements. The design reflects Greenland’s natural landscape and Inuit cultural heritage, with the circle’s placement suggesting the balance of day and night in Arctic latitudes.

Prior to 1985, Greenland used the Danish flag exclusively. A local competition in the early 1980s led to the selection of the current flag design by Greenlandic artist Thue Christiansen. On 21 June 1985—Midsummer Day—the flag was officially adopted following approval by the Parliament of Greenland. The design was chosen to assert Greenlandic self-expression and identity within the Kingdom of Denmark, and it has since become a powerful symbol of cultural autonomy and respect for nature.

The flag is composed of two horizontal stripes of white (top) and red (bottom), bisected by a circle whose top half is red and bottom half white—creating a captivating yin-yang effect. The circle is slightly offset toward the hoist, giving a dynamic feel. Official proportions are 2:3. There are no additional emblems or mottos, emphasizing simplicity and symbolic power of landscape and light.

Greenland’s flag is flown on public buildings and ceremonial occasions, often alongside the Danish flag. It is raised at sunrise and lowered at sunset, with special prominence given on Greenland Day (21 June). Flag etiquette forbids letting the flag touch the ground or become damaged. Half-mast display is used to mark mourning and significant national events. While not covered by a separate flag law, customs are strictly observed in municipal and regional settings.