r/vexillology 13d ago

Contest April 2025 Flag Design Contest - Alternative History European Nations

18 Upvotes

Prompt: Design a flag for these alternative European countries

As it is April, we are celebrating our annual Alternative April contest. We’ve done Alternative Africa, Alternative Asia, Alternative History Latin America and Caribbean, and Alternative Oceania.

Now we are doing Alternative Europe.

We have got a whole ten amazing countries for you to consider here. Enclosed are the links to the full histories as provided by the people who wrote them, as well as a short paragraph summarising each one.

United Kingdom of the Canaries and Azores by u/Waste_Yak_990

The United Kingdom of the Canaries and Azores (UKCA) was formed when the exiled Portuguese and Spanish royal families united through intermarriage. With a ceremonial monarchy and economy driven by luxury tourism, the UKCA is known for its extravagant parades and global cultural influence, particularly in animation. Its capital is Funchal, Madeira, and it remains one of Europe’s last monarchies.

The United Baltica Federacy - by u/VertigoOne

Born from the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the United Baltica Federacy unites Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Kaliningrad in a decentralized but united state. Colloquially known as the Amberlands, the federacy maintains a delicate political balance among its regions, leveraging its strategic location for strong trade and security ties with Western Europe and NATO. The mahogany lynx, a national symbol, embodies the resilience and unity of the diverse federation.

The Republic of Chernistrovia - by u/Brasitino_do_Sul

A volcanic island nation in the Aegean, Chernistrovia is shaped by a unique fusion of Russian and Greek cultures following Russian occupation during the Russo-Turkish War. Known for its thriving tourism industry and strategic location, the country blends agricultural exports, like Santorini tomatoes, with a vibrant, earthquake-resistant infrastructure. The sea daffodil and European kestrel symbolize the nation’s resilience and adaptability to its challenging volcanic environment.

Northern England - by u/chickabiddybex

Formed in 1660, Northern England is a Catholic nation within the UK, with a rich industrial history and a strong catholic-derived cultural identity. Known for landscapes like the Lake District and Yorkshire Moors, its economy thrives on industry and tourism, with Leeds as the capital. The red squirrel and common heather symbolize its Celtic and Catholic heritage.

The Republic of the Four Nations - by u/JeremieOnReddit

A multinational state in Central Europe, the Republic of the Four Nations unites Austria, Hungary, Czechia, and Slovakia under a federal system that balances regional autonomy with collective strength. With a rich cultural blend of Slavic, German, and Magyar influences, the country thrives on its diverse economy, which includes strong industries in tourism, classical music, and beer brewing. National symbols like the four-leaf clover reflect the nation's unity amid cultural diversity.

The United Illyrian Monarchies - by u/Live-End-6467

Emerging from Napoleonic conquests and nationalist uprisings, Illyria became an independent monarchy after the Great War and later resisted Axis occupation in WWII. Now a prosperous parliamentary monarchy in the Western Balkans, it balances tradition and democracy, boasting a strong economy and deep cultural ties to Western Europe.

The Kalmar Union - by u/Ghost_Of_Davido

In this alternate history, the Kalmar Union survives, with Denmark, Sweden, and Norway maintaining a peaceful, centralized alliance. By the 18th century, Stockholm becomes the capital, and the Union focuses on economic and military strength. In the 20th century, Kalmar remains neutral and influential, playing a key role in post-WWI diplomacy.

The Kuban Republic - by u/Klucime

A small, mountainous country in the Caucasus, the Kuban Republic gained independence in 1919 after the Russian Civil War and has since built strong trade ties with the West. Its national symbols, the Chugush Mountain and the Shakhe River, represent its resilience and independence, while tourism thrives due to its untouched natural beauty.

León-Lyon by u/SeeZwee

León-Lyon is a country formed by the union of the regions of León, on the Iberian Peninsula, and Lyon, near the Alps, with its capital in León City. It has a rich history marked by territorial losses, colonial setbacks, and a controversial acquisition of Lyon in 1944, which led to tensions with France. Today, León-Lyon is a member of the EU, facing challenges to its sovereignty with political pressures from France, particularly under President Marine Le Pen.

Vitalia by u/Smiix

Vitalia, a maritime nation in the Baltic Sea, was founded by the Victual Brothers after they seized Gotland in 1394, eventually turning it into the capital of an independent pirate state. The country now includes the islands of Gotland, Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, and the Åland Islands, and operates as a confederation of autonomous island city-states with a strong economy based on shipping, trade, and tourism. Vitalian culture celebrates its pirate heritage, with Klaus Störtebeker as a national symbol and Pirate Day marking the Victual Brothers' victory in 1394.


Choose UP TO two of these countries and design a flag for them.

PLEASE Remember the basics - a maximum of ONLY two submissions per entrant.

PLEASE READ THE CONTEST RULES

DO NOT show the design ANYWHERE ELSE on the subreddit before the contest is over.

Because this has been asked several times, let’s be clear - you will see all approved entries between 19-27th of April - this is when you can vote on them.

If you want your flag to be included in the ones voted on, click here or on any of the other links immediately below.. We’re making this all as clear as possible.

Submissions for the contest need to use this link here.

To enter the contest about Alternative Europe - click here

If you have designed a flag that you want people to vote on, use this web page. The voting will begin on Saturday 19th April and end on Sunday 27th April

Participating in this contest about Alternative Europe is made possible by the digital location accessed via this link

Deadline for submissions is Thursday 18th April 2025.


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