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Publication brought out periodically, typically containing articles, essays, short stories, reviews, and illustrations. It is thought that the first magazine was Le Journal des savants, published in France in 1665. The first magazine in the UK was a penny weekly, the Athenian Gazette, better known later as the Athenian Mercury (1690–97). This was produced by a London publisher, John Dunton, to resolve ‘all the most Nice and Curious Questions’. The US Reader's Digest, first published in 1922, with editions in many different countries and languages, was the world's best-selling magazine until overtaken by a Soviet journal in the mid-1980s.

The earliest illustrations were wood engravings; the half-tone process was invented in 1882 and photogravure was used commercially from 1895. Printing and paper-manufacturing techniques improved during the 19th century, making larger print runs possible. Advertising began to appear in magazines around 1800; it was an important factor by 1850 and crucial to most magazines' finances by 1880. Specialist magazines for different interests and hobbies, and comic books, appeared in the 20th century.

The colours are derived from the state coat of arms of 1364. The Scandinavian cross is taken from the Danish flag. Effective date: 22 June 1906. >>