Flag of Saint Pierre and Miquelon (unofficial)

The flag of the French overseas collectivity of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon is a unique and deeply symbolic banner that tells the story of the islands' heritage and the origins of its people. Although the official national flag is the French Tricolour, this unofficial emblem is widely used and cherished by the local population. It is a visual testament to the islands' historical connections to Europe, serving as a powerful symbol of local identity and pride. The flag’s design, a remarkable blend of historical symbols, represents the unique cultural tapestry that defines this small but resilient North American archipelago.

Design and Symbolism: A Tapestry of European Heritage

The unofficial flag of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon is a striking and complex design, divided into two distinct sections that tell a story of exploration and settlement.

• The Left Vertical Stripe: A Tribute to Ancestry: The left third of the flag is a vertical stripe composed of three smaller flags, representing the European regions from which the islands' first settlers came.

  • Top Section: The Basque flag, known as the Ikurriña, with its red field and green and white crosses, represents the Basque Country. The Basques were among the first Europeans to fish and settle in the region.

  • Middle Section: The Breton flag, the Gwenn-ha-Du, with its nine black and white horizontal stripes and black ermine spots in the canton, symbolizes the Brittany region of France. The Bretons also played a crucial role in the settlement of the islands.

  • Bottom Section: The emblem featuring two Norman yellow lions on a red field represents the Norman heritage of the settlers from Normandy. These three flags collectively represent the core European ancestry of the islands' population, creating a powerful statement of cultural identity.

• The Right Field: A Story of Discovery and the Sea: The right two-thirds of the flag features a larger emblem against a light blue field, symbolizing the Atlantic Ocean that connects the islands to their European origins.

  • The Golden Ship: The main symbol is a golden ship with sails unfurled, sailing on stylized waves. This ship is widely believed to be the Grande Hermine, the vessel on which the French explorer Jacques Cartier arrived in Saint-Pierre in 1536. It symbolizes the discovery of the islands and the enduring maritime traditions that are central to the local economy and way of life.

History and Creation: A Symbol of a People

The flag was designed in 1982 by a local resident, André Paturel, and adopted by the local council as a regional emblem. The creation of this flag was driven by a desire to have a distinct local symbol that celebrated the islands' unique heritage, separate from the official French flag. It was a conscious effort to create a visual identity that paid homage to the settlers from the Basque Country, Brittany, and Normandy, who shaped the cultural and social fabric of the islands. This flag is an emblem of the people, created by the people, and is a source of immense local pride.

Status and Adoption: A Cherished Unofficial Banner

The flag of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon is unofficial. As a French overseas collectivity, the official flag is the French Tricolour. However, the unofficial flag is the most visible symbol of the islands’ identity. It is proudly flown alongside the Tricolour at official ceremonies, on public buildings, and is a common sight on fishing boats and in local businesses. Its widespread use and acceptance by the community highlight its importance as the de facto regional flag, a symbol that unites the inhabitants and expresses their distinct identity.

Size and Proportions

The flag typically adheres to the standard proportion of 2:3. The vertical stripe with the three flags occupies one-third of the flag's length, while the blue field with the ship occupies the remaining two-thirds, creating a balanced and harmonious design.

Interesting Facts and Significance

The flag is rich with interesting details that highlight the island's unique position in the world.

• A French "Miniature": The flag is often seen as a visual representation of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon as a small, historical "piece of France" in North America, with a population whose roots are directly traceable to specific French regions.

• Symbol of Duality: The flag’s dual-flag identity—the French Tricolour as the official national flag and the Paturel flag as the unofficial local emblem—perfectly captures the islands’ political and cultural reality. They are politically French but possess a distinct local culture and history.

• The Grande Hermine: The ship on the flag, believed to be the Grande Hermine, is a historical and romantic symbol of discovery, exploration, and the transatlantic journey that brought the first settlers to the islands.

Significance for the People

For the inhabitants of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, this flag is much more than a symbol; it is a declaration of who they are. It represents their deep-rooted European heritage and their connection to their ancestral lands, while also celebrating their unique identity as islanders in the North Atlantic. It is a symbol of community, resilience, and pride in their history and culture. The flag is a unifying force, reminding residents of their shared past and their enduring ties to one another, making it a beloved emblem of the islands.

In the demonstration images, full-size flags are shown with proportions of 2:3, and hand-held flags with proportions of 1:2.