The flag of each nation

Study note

As well as sharing the Union Flag, each nation of the UK has its own national flag. These individual flags are based on the crosses of the nations' patron saints, the same crosses that were combined to make the Union Flag.

England's flag is the cross of St George: a red cross on a white background. Scotland's flag is the cross of St Andrew, also called the Saltire: a white diagonal cross on a blue background. The contrast between the upright red cross of England and the diagonal white cross of Scotland is a useful way to keep them apart.

For the test, link each saint to the right nation. The red cross of St George stands for England, while the white diagonal cross of St Andrew on blue stands for Scotland. Do not mix these up with St David or St Patrick, who belong to Wales and Ireland.

Memory tip: England = red St George's cross; Scotland = white St Andrew's cross on blue.