Record #00280Human Society archive
Oldest Continuously Used National Flag
Denmark's red flag with a white Nordic cross, the Dannebrog, is recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest continuously used national flag. It is evidenced as a Danish royal emblem from the fourteenth century, and naval regulations documented its use in 1625.
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Current Record
In documented use since at least1625
Current record value
- Holder
- Flag of Denmark
- Location
- Denmark
- Start date
- 1625-05-08
- Record status
- Verified · currentReport an issue
Overview
Archive NoteDannebrog is the Danish name for the red banner with a white cross. Danish government historical accounts treat the story that the flag fell from heaven during a battle in 1219 as legend, while reliable evidence of its use by Danish royalty dates to the fourteenth century.
Guinness World Records identifies royal naval regulations issued by Christian IV on 8 May 1625 as the earliest known rules for using the flag and command colours. This provides a documented benchmark without presenting the legendary date as proven.
Over time Dannebrog evolved from a royal and naval emblem to a broader national symbol. Private citizens were permitted to fly it from 1854, while its distinctive Scandinavian cross design remains central today.
Record history
1 Milestones- In documented use since at least 1625Flag of DenmarkDenmarkCurrent Record
Sources
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