Flag of Bahamas

What the flag means

In the government's explanation, gold and aquamarine stand for the sun and the sea, the country's main natural resources. The black is the vigour and force of a united people, and the triangle pointing into the flag is their determination to develop the resources of land and sea.

History

The Bahamas gained internal self-government in 1964 and began talks on independence after the 1972 election. The government held a national flag contest but picked no single winner, combining elements of several entries instead. The new flag was raised at midnight as independence began on 10 July 1973, replacing a British Blue Ensign with the colonial badge. Its colours were standardised in 2006.

Earlier flags of Bahamas

1. 1869–1904British Blue Ensign with the Crown Colony badge
2. 1964–1973British Blue Ensign with the colonial badge under a St Edward's Crown