Symbolism
The Blue Ensign reflects Saint Helena's status as a British Overseas Territory. The coat of arms features a rocky outcrop and Saint Helena of Constantinople, the patron saint after whom the island was named when discovered on her feast day in 1502.
History
Saint Helena's coat of arms was granted in 1984, and the Blue Ensign bearing those arms was adopted as the territory flag. The island is best known as the place of Napoleon Bonaparte's exile from 1815 until his death in 1821.
Construction
A 1:2 ratio British Blue Ensign with the Saint Helena coat of arms in the fly.
Color Meanings
blue: The South Atlantic and Blue Ensign tradition
white: The saint and cliffs on the arms
green: Vegetation on the coat of arms
Country Facts
- Continent
- Africa
- Subregion
- Southern Africa
- Landlocked
- Island state
- ISO 3166-1
- SH
Flag Identification
- Adopted
- October 4, 1984
- Proportions
1:2
- Total Colors
- 2
- Key Symbols
- Emblem, Animal, Weapon
Influences
British Blue Ensign
Saint Helena of Constantinople
Related flags
Flag Protocol
- Also used for Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha as part of the territory
- The Union Jack is flown on official occasions
Practice
Think you know the flags of Africa? Test your recognition in a quick practice round.