The Flag of South Georgia
The flag of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands features a blue ensign, with a Union Jack occupying the upper canton and the coat of arms of the territory displayed on the right side. The coat of arms consists of a shield bearing a golden lion in the upper half and a blue and white waved design in the lower half, representing the ocean, with a reindeer above the shield and a fur seal and a macaroni penguin as supporters on either side. This flag symbolizes the British sovereignty and the unique natural heritage of the territory.
History of The Flag of South Georgia
The current flag of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands was adopted on October 3, 1985. Prior to this, as a British Overseas Territory, the islands used the Union Jack for official purposes and did not have a distinct flag. The introduction of the flag was part of a broader effort to provide unique symbols to Britain's overseas territories. The flag's design, particularly the inclusion of the coat of arms granted in 1985, is meant to reflect the islands' environmental significance, their marine life, and historical ties to the United Kingdom, especially in the context of the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic region.