The flag of Finland is a blue cross on a white background. The blue cross extends to the edge of the flag and its arms are equal in length. The width of the blue cross is 1/5th of the width of the flag, and the distance of the center of the cross from the hoist side is 2/5ths of the flag’s width. The shade of blue used on the flag is called “Finland blue” and is a dark, slightly purplish blue. The flag was first officially adopted in 1918, when Finland gained independence from Russia.