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Jamaica
Flag of Jamaica.svg
Names The Cross, Black, green and gold
Use National flag, civil and state ensign Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Reverse side is congruent with obverse side
Proportion 1:2
Adopted 6 August 1962; 63 years ago (1962-08-06)
Design A gold diagonal cross divides the field into four triangles of green (top and bottom) and black (hoist side and fly side)
Civil Ensign of Jamaica.svg
Variant flag of Jamaica
Use Civil ensign Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag
Design A Red Ensign with the national flag in the canton
Naval Ensign of Jamaica.svg
Variant flag of Jamaica
Use Naval ensign Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag
Design A White Ensign with the national flag in the canton
Ensign of the Jamaica Defence Force Air Wing.svg
Variant flag of Jamaica
Use Air force ensign Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag
Design The national flag in the canton with a logo of the JDF Air Wing in the middle
First proposed flag of Jamaica
The first proposed design for the Jamaican flag
Proposed flag of Jamaica
Another proposal for the Jamaican flag
Jamaican flag
Jamaican flag waving above a house roof

The flag of Jamaica is a special symbol for the country. It was officially chosen on August 6, 1962. This was the same day Jamaica became an independent nation, no longer governed by the United Kingdom. The flag features a bright gold diagonal cross. This cross divides the flag into four parts. The top and bottom parts are green, and the left and right parts are black. People sometimes call the flag "The Cross" or "Black, Green, and Gold." This is because of its unique shape and colors. Some say the design was inspired by the flag of Scotland.

Understanding the Jamaican Flag's Design and Meaning

How the Flag Was Chosen

Before Jamaica became independent, the government held a contest. They wanted people to design a new national flag. Over 360 different designs were sent in. Many of these original ideas are kept safe in the National Library of Jamaica.

However, none of the contest entries were chosen as the final design. Instead, a special group of lawmakers from the Jamaican House of Representatives created the flag we see today. Their first idea had horizontal stripes. But this looked too much like the flag of Tanganyika (which is now Tanzania) at that time. So, they changed it to the diagonal cross design. Some historians believe this cross design was directly inspired by the flag of Scotland.

What the Colors Represent

The colors of the Jamaican flag are very meaningful. When the flag was first designed in 1962, the colors had a specific message. Black stood for the difficulties people faced. Gold represented the shining sun. Green symbolized the beautiful land. The message was "hardships there are but the land is green and the sun shineth."

In 1996, the meaning of the colors was updated. A special committee suggested new interpretations. Now, black represents the strength and creativity of the Jamaican people. It shows how they overcome challenges. Gold stands for the country's wealth and the bright sunshine. Green symbolizes the island's lush plants and hope for the future.

How the Flag is Made and Its Colors

Flag Dimensions

The Jamaican flag has a specific shape. Its length is exactly twice its width. This is called a 1:2 ratio. For example, a common size is about 1.5 meters wide by 3 meters long. This ensures the flag always looks correct.

  • Flag of Jamaica (construction sheet)

    Flag construction sheet

The official colors for the flag are carefully chosen. Gold is a specific shade called Pantone 109. Green is Pantone 355. Black is simply 100 percent black. These exact colors help make sure every Jamaican flag looks the same.

Showing Respect for the Flag

Rules for Displaying the Flag

There are special rules for how to treat the national flag in Jamaica. These rules are called the National Flag Code. They make sure the flag is always shown with respect. For example, the Jamaican flag should always be the most important flag flown. It should also always be in good condition.

Other Jamaican Flags

Jamaica also has other flags for specific uses. The state ensign is a Blue Ensign. It has the Jamaican national flag in its top left corner. This flag is usually only used by the Jamaican Government.

There is also a naval ensign for ships. It is a White Ensign with a Saint George's Cross. The Jamaican national flag is in its top left corner. This flag is mainly used by the Jamaican Coast Guard.

A Look at Past Jamaican Flags

Jamaica has had different flags throughout its history. These flags show how the country has changed over time.

  • Flag of Jamaica (1875–1906)

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 1875–1906

  • Flag of Jamaica (1906-1957)

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 1906–1957

  • Flag of Jamaica (1957-1962)

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 1957–1962

  • Flag of Jamaica (1962)

    Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag 1962

  • Jamaica Flag Proposal 5 (1962)

    Proposal #5 (1962)

See also

In Spanish: Bandera de Jamaica para niños

  • List of Jamaican flags
  • Jamaica coalition (politics)
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