The national flag of Dominica is a green base that depicts a circular emblem of red color bearing a Sisserou parrot (Amazona Imperialis) that is perched on a twig and is encircled by ten green stars. The parrot in the emblem is the National bird of Dominica
and also symbolizes the yearning for greater heights and aspirations. The Sisserou parrot is an endangered species in the island with only a few pairs left. It is also found in the coat of arms of the country; the coat of arms of Dominica was granted on July 21, 1961.
The national ensign is placed on three vertical and horizontal stripes of yellow, black and white that form a cross. The cross represents the Trinity of Christianity, the official religion of the island. The yellow strip on the cross represents the bright sunshine that falls on the island and also represents the agricultural products of the land, mainly citrus and bananas. The color yellow can also refer to the first inhabitants of the island – the Carib and Arawak people.
White symbolizes the noble aspirations of the people; the black color stands for the rich black fertile soil of the island. The ten green stars stand for the ten parishes that form the Commonwealth of Dominica. The red circular emblem is a symbol for social justice. The stars are also a symbol of hope and the ideals of peace and growth cherished by the Dominicans.
The green field on the flag symbolizes the lush green forests, the natural beauty, and the rich vegetation of the island. Due to its picturesque landscapes the Commonwealth of Dominica has been nicknamed the “Nature Isle of the Caribbean.”
| Official Name: | Commonwealth of Dominica |
| Flag Proportion: | 1:2 |
| Adopted on: | November 3, 1978 |
| Location: | Located in the Caribbean Sea |
| Capital City: | Roseau |
| Major Cities: | Canefield, Salisbury, Saint Joseph, Castle Bruce |
| Area: | 290 square miles |
| Population: | 72,660 |
| Currency: | East Caribbean Dollar (XCD) |
| Official Languages: | English |
| National Anthem: | Isle of Beauty, Isle of Splendour |
| National symbol(s): | Sisserou parrot, Carib Wood flower |
| National colors: | green, yellow, black, white, red |
| National anthem: | |
| Name: | “Isle of Beauty” |
| Lyrics/Music: | Wilfred Oscar Morgan POND/Lemuel McPherson CHRISTIAN |
Fact about Dominica flag |
| Country | Dominica |
|---|---|
| Designed by | Alwin Bully |
| Adopted | November 3, 1978 |
| Revision | 1981, 1988, 1990 |
| Design and Colors | A green field with a central cross of three bands (the vertical part is yellow, black and white and the horizontal part is yellow, black and white) and a red disk superimposed at the center of the cross bearing a Sisserou parrot in the center encircled by ten green five-pointed stars |
| Size Ratio | 1:2 |