The Flag of Saint Martin
The flag of Saint Martin represents the French side of the island of Saint Martin in the Caribbean. It features the coat of arms of Saint Martin on a white field. The coat of arms consists of a shield that includes the French Tricolore and the island's landscape, with a pelican on its top. The flag is not officially recognized by the French government, as the official flag is the national flag of France, but it is widely used locally to represent the distinct cultural and regional identity of Saint Martin.
History of The Flag of Saint Martin
The island of Saint Martin is divided between France and the Netherlands, with the French side known as Saint-Martin and the Dutch side as Sint Maarten. The flag featuring the coat of arms was adopted for local use in the late 20th century, embodying the island's unique heritage and the blend of cultures. Despite not having official status, this flag symbolizes local pride and is commonly used in cultural and public events on the French side of the island. The adoption of this flag reflects a desire among the inhabitants to express their distinct identity, separate from the official emblems provided by colonial powers.