South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Flag
National Flag of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Flag Display
Quick Facts About South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands and flag of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
- Adopted:
- Aspect Ratio:
- 1:2
- Capital:
- King Edward Point
- Population:
- Approximately 20–22 (2020 estimates)
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Flag - Description
This British Overseas Territory uses a Blue Ensign defaced with the territory’s coat of arms—featuring a lion, reindeer, fur seal, and penguin—symbolizing sovereignty, ecological uniqueness, and heritage.
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Flag – Symbolism and Meaning
The Union Jack denotes sovereignty under the UK. The shield’s golden lion holding a torch represents protection and discovery. The reindeer crest reflects historic introductions; a fur seal and macaroni penguin support the arms, symbolizing native wildlife. The Latin motto ‘Leo Terram Propriam Protegat’ means 'Let the lion protect its own land.'
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Flag - History and Origins
Upon separation from the Falkland Islands Dependencies in 1985, the territory adopted arms in 1992, defacing them on the Blue Ensign in 1999. Earlier version (1992–1999) displayed arms in a white roundel.
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Flag - Design Elements
A Blue Ensign with Union Jack in canton, arms shifted halfway across fly. Official ratio 1:2; arms include shield with lion and wavy lozengy field, flanked by seal and penguin, crowned by reindeer crest.
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Flag - Usage Guidelines and Protocol
The flag flies at government and research posts and on territory-registered vessels. It is hoisted at sunrise, lowered at sunset, half-masted upon mourning, and must never fly above the Union Jack.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the colors of the South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Flag represent?
The Union Jack denotes sovereignty under the UK. The shield’s golden lion holding a torch represents protection and discovery. The reindeer crest reflects historic introductions; a fur seal and macaroni penguin support the arms, symbolizing native wildlife. The Latin motto ‘Leo Terram Propriam Protegat’ means 'Let the lion protect its own land.'
When was the South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Flag adopted?
The South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands flag was adopted on 1 October 1999, marking an important milestone in the country's development as an independent nation.
What is the aspect ratio of the South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Flag?
The South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands flag has an aspect ratio of 1:2, which determines the proportional relationship between its width and height for official display purposes.