Appenzell Ausserrhoden
cantonsanimalbearheraldic
The flag of Appenzell Ausserrhoden features a black bear standing upright (rampant) on a white field, with the letters 'V' and 'R' flanking the bear. The bear derives from the arms of the Abbey of St. Gall, which once ruled the region. The letters stand for the Latin motto and distinguish Ausserrhoden from its sister half-canton Innerrhoden after their split in 1597.
Appenzell Ausserrhoden was the last Swiss canton to grant women the right to vote in cantonal matters, finally doing so by federal court order in 1990.
Adopted: 1597
