Flag of Sint Maarten

The flag of Sint Maarten is a vibrant and powerful emblem of national identity that reflects the island's unique history, its political autonomy, and its enduring spirit. Adopted on June 13, 1985, the flag was designed to represent the Dutch constituent country of Sint Maarten, which was then a part of the Netherlands Antilles and would later become a separate country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 2010. The flag’s design is a testament to the island's journey towards self-governance and its deep cultural ties, embodying a blend of its Dutch heritage and its distinct Caribbean character.

Design and Symbolism: A Tapestry of History and Hope

The flag of Sint Maarten is a tricolor design with a distinct triangular element. It consists of a white isosceles triangle on the hoist side, bordered by two horizontal stripes: a red stripe on the top and a blue stripe on the bottom. In the center of the white triangle is the coat of arms of Sint Maarten. Each of these elements is laden with meaning.

• The Colors (Red, White, Blue): The primary colors of the flag—red, white, and blue—are a direct and intentional reference to the flag of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This color scheme proudly signifies Sint Maarten’s constitutional link to the Dutch monarchy and the shared heritage of the Kingdom. However, the colors also carry a deeper local significance:

  • Red symbolizes the patriotic love of the people of Sint Maarten and the blood shed for the island’s freedom.

  • White represents peace, friendship, purity, and the pristine sandy beaches that are a hallmark of the island.

  • Blue stands for the Caribbean Sea that surrounds the island, as well as the azure skies above and the hope for a bright future.

• The Coat of Arms: The central element of the flag is the coat of arms, a complex and detailed symbol that tells the island's story.

  • The Shield: The shield is a prominent feature, depicting a courthouse, a bouquet of golden heliconia flowers, and the silhouette of a border monument. The Court House, with its bell tower, is a historic landmark and a symbol of justice, order, and good governance. The golden heliconia flowers represent the island's lush natural beauty and its vibrant life. The border monument symbolizes the amicable division of the island between the Dutch and French sides, a unique and historic agreement that is central to the island's identity.

  • The Rising Sun and Flying Pelican: Above the shield is a rising sun, which represents a new beginning and a promising future for Sint Maarten. In front of the sun, a pelican is depicted in flight, a bird native to the island and a powerful symbol of its fauna and natural environment. The pelican also represents the pelican’s tradition of feeding its young, which is often seen as a symbol of sacrifice and nurturing, reflecting the community’s spirit.

  • The Motto: Below the shield, a banner displays the Latin motto, "Semper pro Grediens," which translates to "Always Progressing." This powerful phrase embodies the aspirations of the Sint Maarten people for continuous development and advancement in all aspects of life.

History and Creation: A Step Towards Autonomy

The flag's creation is a direct result of Sint Maarten's political evolution. In 1983, the island's political leadership began a process to formally secede from the Netherlands Antilles, a federation that was showing signs of fragmentation. To mark this new step toward autonomy, a national flag was needed. After a competition and deliberation, the design was chosen and officially adopted on June 13, 1985. The flag served as the national symbol for Sint Maarten as a separate island territory within the Netherlands Antilles. When the Netherlands Antilles was dissolved on October 10, 2010, Sint Maarten was granted the "status aparte," becoming a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and this flag became its official national flag, a banner for a new and autonomous chapter in its history.

Size and Proportions

The flag of Sint Maarten has a standard width-to-length ratio of 2:3. The dimensions are crucial for ensuring the proper visual balance of the stripes and the central coat of arms. The official colors are specifically defined to maintain consistency and a clear link to the Dutch tricolor: red (Union Flag Red), white, and blue (Union Flag Blue).

Interesting Facts and Unique Context

The flag of Sint Maarten is unique not only for its design but also for the context of the island itself.

• The Friendly Island: Sint Maarten shares the island with the French collectivity of Saint-Martin. The border between the two is often cited as the oldest peaceful border in the world, a powerful symbol of the friendship and cooperation that is central to the island's identity. The flag, with its inclusion of the border monument in the coat of arms, is a direct nod to this unique and cherished history.

• A Symbol of Separation and Unity: The flag was adopted when Sint Maarten sought to separate from the Netherlands Antilles, but its colors link it directly to the Netherlands. This dual symbolism perfectly reflects the island's desire for self-governance while maintaining its place within the larger Kingdom.

• The Pelican's Significance: The pelican is a local icon, symbolizing the island's resilience and strong connection to its natural environment. It is a beloved symbol of the island's identity.

Significance for the People

For the people of Sint Maarten, the flag is a profound symbol of their nationhood. It represents their unique heritage as a Caribbean island with strong European ties, their successful struggle for self-governance, and their forward-looking vision. The flag is a source of immense pride, flown widely by government buildings, businesses, and private homes. On June 13, Flag Day is a cherished national holiday, celebrated with official ceremonies, cultural events, and community gatherings, all dedicated to honoring the flag and the values it represents. It is a constant and powerful reminder that they are a self-determined people, a "Friendly Island" that is "Always Progressing."

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