The Flag of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
The flag of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha represents the British Overseas Territory located in the South Atlantic Ocean. It consists of three distinct flags, each for the territory's main islands: Saint Helena, Ascension Island, and Tristan da Cunha. Each flag features the Union Jack in the canton, symbolizing the islands' ties to the United Kingdom, and their respective coats of arms on a white field to the fly side.
History of The Flag of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
The flags of Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha have evolved over time, reflecting their unique identities and administrative changes. Saint Helena's flag was adopted on October 4, 1984, and features the island's coat of arms, which includes a wirebird (the national bird), a sailing ship, and Saint Helena's rocky coastline. Ascension Island's flag was granted in May 2013, showcasing its coat of arms with a green turtle, a volcanic mountain, and the head of a turtle on a blue and white background, symbolizing its natural heritage and maritime location. Tristan da Cunha's flag was adopted on October 20, 2002, and displays a Tristan longboat above the island's coat of arms, which features four albatrosses and a lobster, reflecting the island's seafaring and fishing traditions. These flags underscore the territories' relationship with the United Kingdom while celebrating their distinct local heritage and natural environment.