The Union Jack (Union Flag) & flags of the UK
Last reviewed · Reviewed by the BritainTest editorial team
The Union Jack, properly called the Union Flag, is the national flag of the UK. It is made by combining the crosses of three nations: England, Scotland and Ireland. This guide explains the three crosses, why Wales is not on the flag, and each nation's own flag. It is part of our "what is the UK" study notes.
Key facts
The Union Flag combines three crosses:
| Cross | Nation | What it looks like |
|---|---|---|
| Cross of St George | England | A red cross on a white background. |
| Cross of St Andrew (saltire) | Scotland | A white diagonal cross on a blue background. |
| Cross of St Patrick | Ireland | A red diagonal cross on a white background. |
Wales is not shown on the Union Flag. This is because Wales was already united with England when the flag was created, so it was not added separately. The Welsh flag is a red dragon on a green and white background.
Each nation also has its own flag: England uses the cross of St George, Scotland uses the cross of St Andrew (also called the saltire), and Wales uses the red dragon on a green and white background. Northern Ireland does not have a single official flag of its own in the same way.
How the flag came together
The Union Flag was built up over time as the nations joined. The crosses of St George (England) and St Andrew (Scotland) were combined after the crowns of England and Scotland were united. The cross of St Patrick was added later, when Ireland became part of the United Kingdom, giving the flag we use today. Because the flag links to the patron saints, learning the saints and their crosses together makes both topics easier.
Where you see the flag
The Union Jack is flown on government buildings and used at national and royal events. You will also see it as part of the flags of some Commonwealth countries and UK Overseas Territories, a reminder of Britain's history and links around the world.
What to remember for the test
- The Union Flag has three crosses: St George (England), St Andrew (Scotland) and St Patrick (Ireland).
- Wales is not on the flag, because it was already joined to England.
- The Welsh flag is a red dragon.
- "Union Jack" is just the common name for the Union Flag.
Practise this topic
Test yourself on the flags in the real format, then reread anything you miss. The patron saints behind the crosses are covered in a separate guide.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the Union Flag made of?
- Three crosses: the cross of St George (England), the cross of St Andrew (Scotland) and the cross of St Patrick (Ireland).
- Why is Wales not on the Union Flag?
- Because Wales was already united with England when the flag was created, so it is not shown separately.
- What is the Welsh flag?
- A red dragon on a green and white background.
- What is the cross of St Andrew?
- A white diagonal cross (a saltire) on a blue background. It is the flag of Scotland.
- Is the Union Jack the same as the Union Flag?
- Yes. 'Union Jack' is the common name for the Union Flag.
Official sources (GOV.UK)
Related guides
View all guides →Countries, Capitals & Regions of the UK
Study notes on the four countries and their capitals, UK vs Great Britain vs the British Isles, the Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories, and the languages of the UK.
What Is the UK? Study Notes
Chapter 2: the four countries and their capitals, UK vs Great Britain, the Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories, languages and the flag.
Patron Saints & National Days of the UK
Study notes on the four patron saints of the UK and their days: St George (England), St Andrew (Scotland), St David (Wales) and St Patrick (Northern Ireland).
Life in the UK Test Study Guide (3rd Edition)
How and what to study: the official handbook, the five chapters, a four-week study plan, and how to revise with practice, flashcards and mocks.
Values & Principles of the UK: Study Notes
Chapter 1: the five fundamental principles of British life, your rights and freedoms, your responsibilities, and the citizenship ceremony.