Jamaica Flag: Meaning, Colors, Saltire, History & Facts

The national flag has a gold diagonal cross, or saltire, running from corner to corner. It divides the field into four triangles: green above and below, and black at the hoist and fly.

Official Jamaican symbolism is summarized by the phrase “The sun shineth, the land is green and the people are strong and creative.”

A national design competition was held in 1961 as Jamaica prepared for independence. The competition did not produce a final winning model, so a bipartisan committee of the House of Representatives developed the national flag in early 1962.

The finished design was ready for independence on August 6, 1962. The flag was first raised as British rule ended and Jamaica became an independent state.

The flag follows the Admiralty Pattern. Its width-to-length ratio is 1:2, and each arm of the diagonal gold cross is one-sixth of the flag’s length.

Official guidance says the flag should be handled with respect. It should not touch the ground or floor and should not have words, pictures or other symbols placed on it.

When flown at half-mast, it is first raised to the peak and then lowered to half-mast. Before final lowering, it is again raised to the peak.

Jamaica’s State Arms are distinct from the flag but form another major national emblem. They include male and female Taino supporters, a shield with a red cross and five golden pineapples, a Jamaican crocodile as the crest, and the motto “Out of Many One People.”