Bahamas Flag: Meaning, Colors, History & Facts
Discover what the aquamarine, gold and black flag means, why the triangle matters, who designed it, how it changed at independence, and the rules for displaying it.
What does the Bahamas flag look like?
The national flag of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas is a horizontal triband of aquamarine, gold and aquamarine. A black equilateral triangle sits against the hoist and points toward the centre of the flag. The three horizontal stripes are equal in height, while the official flag is normally shown in a 1:2 proportion.
What do the Bahamas flag colors mean?
Aquamarine represents the surrounding waters, gold represents the sun and land-based natural resources, and black represents the strength and unity of the Bahamian people. For Pantone, HEX, RGB and print guidance, see our Bahamas flag colors guide.
History of the Bahamas flag
The current flag became official on July 10, 1973, when The Bahamas gained independence. It replaced British colonial ensigns and introduced the aquamarine, gold and black national design. For the full colonial-to-independence timeline, see the history of the Bahamas flag.
Who designed the Bahamas flag?
Rev. Dr. Hervis L. Bain Jr. is credited with the national flag and the coat of arms. Bahamian education material identifies him as the designer of the flag, and official tributes recognise his contribution to the country’s national symbols.
The final national flag also reflected the broader independence-era search for a design that could communicate the country’s landscape, resources and emerging national identity in a simple form.
Bahamas flag dimensions, ratio and color specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Proportion | 1:2 |
| Horizontal bands | 3 equal bands |
| Band order | Aquamarine, gold, aquamarine |
| Hoist symbol | Black equilateral triangle |
| Aquamarine reference | Pantone 3145; digital approximation #00778B |
| Gold reference | Pantone 123; digital approximation #FFC72C |
| Black | Standard black; #000000 |
How should the Bahamas flag be displayed?
The Bahamas has formal rules covering respectful display, illumination, precedence and disposal of worn flags. For the complete protocol guidance, see our Bahamas flag etiquette and protocol guide.
Why do so many ships fly the Bahamas flag?
Seeing a Bahamas flag on a cruise ship does not necessarily mean the ship is Bahamian-owned. It usually means the vessel is registered under the Bahamas flag state. The Bahamas Maritime Authority operates an international ship register and accepts qualifying vessels engaged in international trade, including some foreign-owned ships.
What did the Bahamas flag look like before 1973?
Before independence, The Bahamas used British colonial Blue Ensigns carrying the colony’s badge. For the complete sequence of pre-1973 designs, see the Bahamas flag history guide.
Bahamas maritime flags and ensigns
The Bahamas uses separate merchant, government and Defence Force ensigns in addition to the national flag. For the full visual comparison and use cases, see our Bahamas maritime flags and ensigns guide.
How to draw the Bahamas flag
The flag uses a 1:2 rectangle, three equal horizontal bands and a black equilateral triangle at the hoist. For a step-by-step construction guide, see how to draw the Bahamas flag.
Bahamas flag FAQ
What do the colors of the Bahamas flag mean?
Aquamarine represents the waters surrounding the islands, gold represents the sun and land-based natural resources, and black represents the strength, vigour and force of the Bahamian people.
When was the Bahamas flag adopted?
The current national flag became official on July 10, 1973, the date The Bahamas became independent from the United Kingdom.
Who designed the Bahamas flag?
Rev. Dr. Hervis L. Bain Jr. is credited as the designer of The Bahamas’ national flag and coat of arms.
What does the black triangle on the Bahamas flag represent?
It represents the strength and unity of the people. Its forward-pointing form is also associated with enterprise and determination.
Is the Bahamas flag blue or aquamarine?
The color is normally described as aquamarine in national-symbol material. The 1973 law uses the heraldic term “Azure.”
What is the Bahamas flag ratio?
The national flag is commonly specified in a 1:2 height-to-length proportion.
Why do cruise ships fly the Bahamas flag?
Many ships are registered with the Bahamas Maritime Authority. A Bahamas flag on a vessel indicates its flag-state registry; it does not necessarily indicate the nationality of the ship’s owner.
What is the Bahamas flag emoji?
The Bahamas flag emoji is 🇧🇸. The country code used to generate the emoji is BS.
What did the Bahamas flag look like before 1973?
Before independence, The Bahamas used British colonial Blue Ensigns carrying the colony’s badge. Several versions were used between 1869 and 1973 as the badge and crown changed.
What is the red Bahamas flag seen on cruise ships and yachts?
It is usually the Bahamian civil or merchant ensign: a red field with a white cross and the Bahamas national flag in the canton.
Does The Bahamas have a naval flag?
Yes. The Royal Bahamas Defence Force uses a white ensign with a red cross and the national flag in the canton.
Can businesses use the Bahamas flag commercially?
Government guidance says written permission is required for certain commercial uses of the national flag or coat of arms on articles produced, distributed, sold or imported into The Bahamas, or in connection with a business.
What are the Bahamas flag color codes?
Common modern reproduction guidance uses Pantone 3145 for aquamarine, Pantone 123 for gold and standard black. Practical web approximations are #00778B, #FFC72C and #000000.
Government of The Bahamas — Flags and Coat of Arms (Regulation) Act
Government of The Bahamas — Flags and Coat of Arms Regulations, 1991
Bahamas Ministry of Education curriculum — national symbols
Bahamas Maritime Authority — The Bahamas Flag
Embassy of The Bahamas — National Symbols
Government MyGateway — Permission to use National Flag and/or Coat of Arms
