Symbolism
The two blue bands represent the sea and sky, and the yellow band represents the sand of the islands. The black trident head (the Trident of Neptune) represents independence, with the broken shaft symbolizing a break from the colonial past.
History
Adopted on November 30, 1966, the day Barbados gained independence from the United Kingdom. Grantley W. Prescod's winning design was chosen from among roughly 1,000 entries in a national competition, replacing the colonial Blue Ensign with a distinct national symbol.
Construction
A 2:3 ratio. A vertical tricolor of blue, yellow, and blue, with a black trident head centered in the yellow band.
Color Meanings
Country Facts
- Population
- 267.8K
<0.1% of North America
- Capital
- Bridgetown
- Languages
- English
- Continent
- North America
- Subregion
- Caribbean
- Landlocked
- Island state
- ISO 3166-1
- BB
Flag Identification
- Adopted
- November 30, 1966
- Designer
- Grantley W. Prescod
- Proportions
2:3 (≈1.500)
- Total Colors
- 3
- Key Symbols
- Emblem, Weapon
Influences
Related flags
Flag Protocol
- The trident head must be centered in the yellow band
- The broken shaft must be clearly visible to symbolize the break from colonialism
Practice
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