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Flag of Dominica facts for kids

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Flag of Dominica
Flag of Dominica

The flag of Dominica is a colorful symbol of the island nation. It was first created in 1978, the same year Dominica became an independent country. Since then, there have been a few small updates to its design in 1981, 1988, and 1990. The original flag was designed by a talented writer named Alwin Bully, who helped prepare the country for its independence.

What the Flag Looks Like

The flag of Dominica has a bright green background, which represents the island's lush forests and rich agriculture. Across the middle of the flag, there's a cross made of three different colored stripes.

Colors of the Cross

The cross has both a vertical (up and down) and a horizontal (side to side) part. Each part is made up of three stripes:

  • A bright yellow stripe, which stands for the sunshine, the island's main crops like citrus and bananas, and the native people.
  • A black stripe, symbolizing the fertile soil and the African heritage of most Dominicans.
  • A white stripe, representing the pure rivers and waterfalls, and the purity of the people.

The Red Circle and Parrot

Right in the center of the cross, there's a bold red circle. This circle symbolizes the commitment to justice and the island's socialist ideals. Inside this red circle, you'll see a beautiful purple sisserou parrot. This special parrot is found only in Dominica and is the country's national bird. It faces towards the left side of the flag, which is called the hoist-side.

The Stars

Around the sisserou parrot, there are ten green five-pointed stars. These stars represent the ten parishes (like states or regions) of Dominica. They also stand for hope and equality.

History of the Flag

The flag was designed as Dominica prepared to become an independent nation. The original design by Alwin Bully captured the spirit and natural beauty of the island. The small changes made over the years helped to refine the flag's look, making it the proud symbol it is today. Each element of the flag tells a story about Dominica's land, people, and hopes for the future.

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