Jamaica’s national flag has a gold diagonal cross, or saltire, dividing the field into black triangles at the top and bottom and green triangles at the hoist and fly. It was adopted when Jamaica became independent in 1962.

What does the Jamaican flag look like?

A broad gold saltire runs from corner to corner. Black fills the upper and lower sections, while green fills the two side sections.

What do the colors mean?

Jamaica’s official interpretation describes black as the strength and creativity of the people, gold as natural wealth and sunlight, and green as agricultural resources and hope.

History of the flag

The design was chosen through a national competition during preparations for independence. An earlier proposal with horizontal stripes was changed because of its similarity to another national flag. The final saltire design was first raised on August 6, 1962.

Jamaica flag facts

• Adopted: August 6, 1962
• Colors: black, green and gold
• Design: gold saltire
• Occasion: independence from the United Kingdom