Symbolism
The Blue Ensign reflects British administration of the Chagos Archipelago. The coat of arms and flag feature white and blue wavy lines for the Indian Ocean, a palm tree for the tropical atolls, the St. Edward's Crown for British sovereignty, and the Union Jack in the canton.
History
The flag was officially granted on November 8, 1990, for the British Indian Ocean Territory created in 1965. The archipelago's sovereignty is disputed, with Mauritius claiming the territory and the UN General Assembly calling for decolonization.
Construction
A 1:2 ratio British Blue Ensign with wavy blue and white stripes, palm tree, and crown on the arms in the fly.
Color Meanings
blue: The Indian Ocean and Blue Ensign tradition
white: Waves and coral atolls
green: The palm tree on the arms
Country Facts
- Continent
- Asia
- Subregion
- Pacific
- Landlocked
- Island state
- ISO 3166-1
- IO
Flag Identification
- Adopted
- November 8, 1990
- Proportions
1:2
- Total Colors
- 2
- Key Symbols
- Emblem
Influences
British Blue Ensign
Tropical island heraldry
Related flags
Flag Protocol
- Used by the British Indian Ocean Territory administration
- The territory's legal status is disputed by Mauritius
Practice
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