Symbolism
The Blue Ensign reflects the British Virgin Islands' status as a British Overseas Territory. The coat of arms features Saint Ursula holding a lamp, surrounded by eleven lamps representing her virgin companions, above a green shield depicting twelve golden lamps.
History
The British Virgin Islands coat of arms was granted in 1960, and the Blue Ensign bearing those arms was approved as the territory flag. The arms reference the islands' name and the legend of Saint Ursula and the 11,000 virgins.
Construction
A 1:2 ratio British Blue Ensign with the British Virgin Islands coat of arms in the fly.
Color Meanings
blue: The Caribbean Sea and Blue Ensign tradition
gold: The lamps on the coat of arms
green: The shield background of the arms
Country Facts
- Continent
- North America
- Subregion
- Caribbean
- Landlocked
- Island state
- ISO 3166-1
- VG
Flag Identification
- Adopted
- November 15, 1960
- Proportions
1:2
- Total Colors
- 3
- Key Symbols
- Emblem, Weapon
Influences
British Blue Ensign
Saint Ursula legend
Related flags
Flag Protocol
- The Union Jack is flown on official occasions
- The territorial arms must appear in the fly of the Blue Ensign
Practice
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