Life in the UK

Culture & Traditions

The Union Flag

The official flag of the United Kingdom is the Union Flag, commonly called the Union Jack. It is made up of three crosses representing the patron saints of England, Scotland and Ireland.

Key facts

  • It combines the crosses of St George, St Andrew and St Patrick.
  • The cross of St George (England) is a red cross on a white background.
  • The cross of St Andrew (Scotland) is a white diagonal cross on blue.
  • Wales is not represented because it was already united with England.

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