The Bahamas’ flag (10 July 1973) shows aquamarine, gold, aquamarine horizontal bands with a black hoist triangle. Aquamarine symbolises sea and sky; gold the sun and land; black the strength and unity of the people. Selected by national competition at independence, the design is protected by protocol governing respectful display and retirement.
First flown at independence on 10 July 1973, The Bahamas’ national flag was chosen through a public design process that sought a distinct, modern emblem for a new nation. The layout—three horizontal bands of aquamarine (top and bottom) and gold (centre) with a black equilateral triangle at the hoist—reads immediately as maritime and sunlit, echoing the archipelago’s geography and climate while foregrounding the people’s agency and unity through the black triangle.
Symbolism
is officially articulated: aquamarine for the surrounding waters and sky, gold for the sun and the archipelago’s natural resources, black for the vigour and determination of Bahamians. The aspect ratio and geometric construction are standardised, and variants for specific state uses follow cabinet guidance.
Statutes and administrative rules regulate usage: respectful handling is mandatory; the flag is raised after sunrise and lowered before sunset unless illuminated; half‑masting follows executive direction. The design has remained stable since adoption. On Independence Day, Emancipation Day, and state funerals, the flag anchors ceremonies at government buildings and public spaces. Abroad, it identifies the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in diplomatic and sporting contexts.