The Vepsians (Veps nation) chose a flag with a Scandinavian design in 1992. The flag shows a Scandinavian cross with a yellow border on a green background. The design is intended to symbolise membership of the Nordic family of nations. The colours of the flag symbolise the forests, rivers, lakes and fields of the region. The blue cross is reminiscent of the flag of Finland and indicates that the Vepsians are a Finnish people. The peculiar blue in the background is called "water wave blue".
The Vepsians are a Finnish people who live in the north of Russia, between Lake Ladoga, Lake Onega and Lake White.They number around 13.000 people, half of whom still speak Wepsian. The Wepsi call themselves "Vepsja", other names are "Wesi" or "Chud".They have been dependent on the Russians since the 11th century, have never had self-government and have adopted a lot from the Russians. The official and cultural language of the Vepsi is therefore Russian.
