Flag of Trinidad and Tobago
A red field crossed by a black diagonal band edged in white, running from the upper hoist to the lower fly.
What the flag means
The Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs says the colours stand for the elements of earth, water and fire. Red is fire, the warmth of the sun and the courage of the people. White is the sea around the islands and equality. Black is the dedication of a people joined by one strong bond, and the wealth of the land.
History
The Independence Committee of 1962 drew up a series of designs and selected this one. The artist Carlisle Chang is credited with the design. The flag was first used when Trinidad and Tobago became independent from the United Kingdom on 31 August 1962, replacing a British Blue Ensign with the colonial badge.
Earlier flags of Trinidad and Tobago
- 1889–1962British Blue Ensign with a badge showing a ship arriving before a mountain
Sources
- Wikipedia: Flag of Trinidad and Tobago
- Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Trinidad and Tobago: National Flag
Last reviewed 24 October 2026. Read how we research flags in our editorial policy, or report a mistake.
