A square flag simply consisting of a white cross in the centre of a red background. The white cross on the red base traditionally represents the Christian faith and stands for freedom, honour and fidelity. In modern times it has come to represent neutrality, democracy, peace and refuge for the Swiss.

It was adopted on December 12, 1889 and is therefore one of the world’s oldest flags. In 1906 The Red Cross in honour of their Swiss founder Henri Dunant, created the Red Cross flag by reversing the colours of the Swiss flag.