Schwyz - Switzerland

Schwyz is one of the first cantons of Switzerland and the name of the country is derived from this canton. The capital of Schwyz have the same name and there they keep the Federal Charter of 1291 or Bundesbrief in the museum of the same name. In the year 1291 the cantons of Uri, Unterwalden (split since 1350 in Obwalden en Nidwalden) and Schwyz started an alliance to stand up against foreign bullies, especially the Habsburgers. Over time more cantons joined the Old Swiss Confederacy and in 1648 the united cantons were recognized as independent nation. Schwyz can be found in central-Switzerland and is surrounded by lakes, the Alps are in the south. Schwyz has an population of around 151 thousand and the scenery is stunning. So lets take an look at the flag.

Beside the name is also the Swiss flag derived from Schwyz. The Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II give Schwyz its war flag as a symbol of freedom of government in 1240. Original the flag was made out of one color. blood-red. Later somewhere in the 14th century they put an white cross and later put adornments around the cross, the cross symbolize Christianity. The forces of the Swiss Confederacy starting using this flag because Swiss were very popular has hired mercenaries in wars around the European continent. In 1815 they removed the adornments and since then we have this flag. The coat of arms of the canton and city is slightly different because the cross is on the right side. An ancient flag that got an upgrade as an national solid flag.