Flag of Antigua and Barbuda

The national flag of Antigua and Barbuda was adopted on 27 February 1967 to mark the achievement of self-government. A competition to design the flag was held in which more than 600 local people entered. The winning design was put forth by nationally well-known artist and sculptor Sir Reginald Samuel.[1]

Antigua and Barbuda
UseNational flag and civil ensign Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag
Proportion2:3
AdoptedFebruary 27, 1967; 57 years ago (1967-02-27)
DesignA horizontal tri-colour of black, blue (half-width), and white, with two red right scalene triangles on opposite sides. On the black band is a yellow half-sun with nine rays
Designed bySir Reginald Samuel
UseState ensign Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag
Proportion2:3
DesignA white field with a red cross, the national flag in the canton
Antigua and Barbuda flag on a pleasure craft
Flag construction sheet

Design and symbolism edit

The design is a red field with an inverted isosceles triangle based on the top edge of the field pointed toward the bottom edge of the field bearing the horizontal tricolour of black, light blue (half width) and white with the rising sun centred on top of the black band. The rising sun symbolises the dawning of a new era.[2]

The colours have different meanings: the black is for the African ancestry of the people; the blue for hope; and the red for energy or life of the people. The successive colouring of black, yellow, blue, and white (from the sun down) also stands for the soil, sun, sea, and sand.[1] The blue also represents the Caribbean Sea, and the V-shape is the symbol of victory.[2] The seven points on the flag represent each of the six parishes and the island of Barbuda.[3]

The state ensign, which is used only by the national coast guard, consists of a white field, a red cross, and the state flag in the canton.

Colours edit

No official specification of the colour shades is known for this flag. The French Navy's flag book Album des pavillons suggests the following Pantone colours: Red 186c, Blue 300c and Yellow 116c.

Viceregal flags edit

Flag Date Use Description
  1967–1981 Flag of the governor
  1981-2023 Flag of the governor-general

Flags of Barbuda edit

Flag Date Use Description
  1997-2018 Flag of the Barbuda Council
  2018-present Flag of the Barbuda Council Barbuda Flag of Self-Determination[4]

Historical flags edit

Flag Date Use Description
  1956–1962 Flag of Antigua and Barbuda
  1962–1967 Flag of Antigua and Barbuda

Political flags edit

Flag Date Use Description
  Flag of the Barbuda People's Movement


References edit

  1. ^ a b "flag of Antigua and Barbuda | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2022-08-19.
  2. ^ a b "CIA World Factbook- Antigua and Barbuda". Retrieved 8 July 2019.
  3. ^ "Antigua & Barbuda: Antigua and Barbuda Flag". www.antiguanice.com. Retrieved 2022-02-26.
  4. ^ "PlanBarbuda - THE FLAG". www.planbarbuda.org. Retrieved 2024-03-07.

External links edit