718

Today Switzerland celebrates its independence. Only 15 years ago, was today made a national holiday.

Some fun facts about it's flag:

- other than Vatican city, it is the only flag that is square in design. Some theories are that this is to emphasize Switzerland's neutral political stance.

- the length of the cross's arms is 1/6th longer than their width, which why would explain why it looks ohhh-so-slightly off if you try making it with a + sign, in bold.

- according to it's branding, it's Pantone color is 485, and for web is FF0000, though it is not strictly controlled.

- the flag of the Red Cross is based on the design of the Swiss flag (being an inverse of design). This is an homage to Henry Dunant, the Red Cross' founder - a Swiss man.

- There was for a shirt time, a blue version of the flag (which p.s., is awesome), that belonged to the Greek Island of Icaria, which for just 5 months was an independant state back in 1912.