Design and Background
Because Saint Barthélemy is an overseas collectivity of France, the official flag used is the French flag, which has three vertical stripes:
- Blue on the left
- White in the middle
- Red on the right
These three colors represent the values of the French Republic. Sometimes, a local coat of arms is also used in informal or decorative contexts to show the island’s local identity.
Saint Barthélemy is located near Saint Martin and Antigua and Barbuda in the Caribbean.
Historical Roots of the Flag
Saint Barthélemy has a long history under different European powers. It was first controlled by France, then by Sweden for a period, and later returned to France.
Since 2007, the island has been an overseas collectivity of France, and because of this status, the French flag is used as its official flag.
If you want to learn more about the island’s history and political status, you can also read our Saint Barthélemy country history page.
Meaning of the Colors and Symbols
The meaning comes from the French flag:
- Blue represents liberty.
- White represents equality.
- Red represents fraternity.
- Together, these values represent the principles of the French Republic, which also apply to Saint Barthélemy.
Use of the Flag Today
Today, the French flag is used on government buildings and during official ceremonies in Saint Barthélemy. It is also seen during French national holidays and local cultural events.
The flag used in Saint Barthélemy represents stability, its connection to France, and the island’s peaceful and well-known lifestyle.
