British Virgin Islands

The National Flag of the British Virgin Islands

The national flag of the British Virgin Islands is a symbol of the territory’s rich heritage and its enduring relationship with the United Kingdom. The flag features a Blue Ensign with the Union Jack in the canton and the British Virgin Islands’ coat of arms on the fly. Each element of the flag represents significant aspects of the islands’ history, culture, and identity.

British Virgin Islands Flag Clip Art Images, Background and Wallpapers

Free Download of the British Virgin Islands Flag Image

To download an image of the British Virgin Islands flag, right-click on the image and select “Save image as…” on a desktop or laptop. On a mobile device, press and hold on the image, then select “Download image” or “Save image” from the options that appear.

For Apple (iPhone/iPad):

• Press and hold the image.
• A menu will appear; tap “Add to Photos” or “Save Image.”

For Android:

• Press and hold the image.
• From the menu that appears, choose “Download image” or “Save image.”

This will save the image to your device’s photo gallery or downloads folder.

Design and Colors of the British Virgin Islands Flag

The British Virgin Islands flag features a design that embodies the territory’s heritage and connection to the United Kingdom:

• Blue Ensign: The flag is a Blue Ensign, a blue field with the Union Jack in the canton, representing the territory’s status as a British Overseas Territory.
• Union Jack: Located in the upper hoist quarter, symbolizing the historical and constitutional ties with the United Kingdom.
• Coat of Arms: The coat of arms is displayed on the fly side of the flag. It features Saint Ursula holding a flaming gold lamp, surrounded by twelve additional lamps, representing her legendary 11,000 virgin followers.
• Blue: (#00247D) The dark blue field represents the maritime heritage and the surrounding Caribbean Sea.
• Colors of the Coat of Arms: The coat of arms includes green, gold, white, and red, symbolizing the islands’ natural beauty and cultural richness.

The Origins and Design of the British Virgin Islands Flag

The flag of the British Virgin Islands reflects the territory’s journey and its ties to the United Kingdom. Adopted on November 15, 1960, the flag incorporates elements that are significant to the islands’ history and identity.

The Birth of a National Symbol

The British Virgin Islands adopted their own coat of arms in 1960, which was subsequently added to the Blue Ensign to create the current flag. Before this, the islands used the standard British Blue Ensign without a distinctive badge. The inclusion of the coat of arms made the flag unique to the British Virgin Islands, symbolizing their distinct heritage within the British Overseas Territories.

Evolution of the Flag’s Symbolism

The symbolism of the flag is deeply rooted in the legend of Saint Ursula, after whom the islands are named:

• Saint Ursula: Depicted on the coat of arms holding a golden oil lamp, representing guidance and protection.
• Oil Lamps: The twelve lamps surrounding Saint Ursula symbolize her 11,000 virgin followers, emphasizing purity and enlightenment.
• Motto “Vigilate”: Latin for “Be vigilant,” underscoring the importance of watchfulness and preparedness.

The Central Design Elements

The central design elements of the British Virgin Islands flag include:

• Union Jack: Symbolizes the constitutional link and historical relationship with the United Kingdom.
• Coat of Arms: Represents the unique history, culture, and religious heritage of the islands.
• Blue Ensign: Reflects the maritime history and the significance of the sea to the islands’ economy and lifestyle.

Adoption and Official Recognition

The flag was officially adopted on November 15, 1960, following the grant of a unique coat of arms by Queen Elizabeth II. This marked a significant step in the islands’ development of their own identity while maintaining their status as a British Overseas Territory.

The Flag in Modern British Virgin Islands Identity

Today, the flag is a powerful symbol of national pride and unity. It is prominently displayed during national holidays, cultural events, and international representations. The flag embodies the islands’ rich history, cultural heritage, and the resilience of its people.

The Significance of the British Virgin Islands Flag

The flag of the British Virgin Islands holds a deep significance, symbolizing the territory’s history, culture, and unity. Displaying the flag is an act of patriotism and respect, observed according to specific protocols and during significant days.

When the Flag of the British Virgin Islands Can Be Displayed

The flag may be displayed on any day, particularly on government buildings, schools, and during official ceremonies. It should always be treated with respect, never touching the ground, and handled with care. Citizens are encouraged to display the flag during national celebrations and significant events.

Flag Days and National Holidays

In the British Virgin Islands, several official flag days and national holidays are observed:

• Territory Day (July 1): Celebrates the history and establishment of the British Virgin Islands as a territory.
• Emancipation Festival (Late July to Early August): Marks the abolition of slavery in 1834, with the flag prominently displayed during festivities.
• Queen’s Official Birthday (June): Honors the British monarch, reflecting the islands’ ties to the United Kingdom.

Love for the Flag and Patriotism

The people of the British Virgin Islands express their patriotism through the flag by:

• Displaying it during national holidays and cultural events.
• Incorporating the flag’s imagery in local art, clothing, and merchandise.
• Educating the younger generation about its history and significance.

The flag serves as a constant reminder of the islands’ heritage, unity, and the collective identity of its people.

British Virgin Islands Flag Emoji Codes

1. Unicode Code Points

• Unicode: U+1F1FB U+1F1EC
• UTF-16: D83C DDFB D83C DDEC

2. HTML Entities

• HTML Entity (Decimal): 🇻🇬
• HTML Entity (Hexadecimal): 🇻🇬

3. CSS

content: "\1F1FB\1F1EC";

4. JavaScript (JSON) & Java

// JavaScript Example
const bviFlag = "\uD83C\uDDFB\uD83C\uDDEC";

// Java Example
String bviFlag = "\uD83C\uDDFB\uD83C\uDDEC";

5. PHP & Ruby

// PHP Example
$bviFlag = "\u{1F1FB}\u{1F1EC}";

// Ruby Example
bvi_flag = "\u{1F1FB}\u{1F1EC}"

6. Perl

my $bviFlag = "\x{1F1FB}\x{1F1EC}";

7. Python

bvi_flag = "\U0001F1FB\U0001F1EC"

8. C#

string bviFlag = "\uD83C\uDDFB\uD83C\uDDEC";

9. Swift

let bviFlag = "\u{1F1FB}\u{1F1EC}"

10. Objective-C

NSString *bviFlag = @"\U0001F1FB\U0001F1EC";

11. JSON

{
  "bviFlag": "\uD83C\uDDFB\uD83C\uDDEC"
}

12. SQL

INSERT INTO table_name (column_name) VALUES ('\uD83C\uDDFB\uD83C\uDDEC');

13. Shell Scripting (Bash)

bvi_flag=$'\U1F1FB\U1F1EC'

14. Go (Golang)

bviFlag := "\U0001F1FB\U0001F1EC"

15. Kotlin

val bviFlag = "\uD83C\uDDFB\uD83C\uDDEC"

About the British Virgin Islands

Geography and Topography

Location and Geography

The British Virgin Islands are located in the Caribbean Sea, east of Puerto Rico and adjacent to the U.S. Virgin Islands. The archipelago consists of over 50 islands and cays, with key geographical features including:

• Mountainous terrain with volcanic origins on islands like Tortola and Virgin Gorda
• Coral reefs and atolls, especially around Anegada
• Pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters
• Notable islands such as Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke

British Virgin Islands Map

Area and Population

The British Virgin Islands cover an area of approximately 153 square kilometers. As of 2023, the population is estimated to be around 30,000 people, making it a sparsely populated territory with a close-knit community.

Demographics and Ethnic Composition

The British Virgin Islands have a diverse population with a rich cultural heritage. The ethnic composition includes:

• People of African descent: the majority, tracing back to the islands’ history of plantations
• Mixed and European descent: including British and other nationalities
• Smaller communities of Asians and other groups

Name and History

Origin of the Name “British Virgin Islands”

The name “Virgin Islands” was bestowed by Christopher Columbus in 1493, in honor of Saint Ursula and her 11,000 virgins. The prefix “British” distinguishes the territory from the neighboring U.S. Virgin Islands.

History

The history of the British Virgin Islands is rich and multifaceted, marked by various periods:

• Initial settlement by the Arawak and later the Carib peoples
• European exploration and colonization in the 16th century
• Control by the Dutch before becoming a British colony in the 17th century
• The rise of sugar cane plantations and the transatlantic slave trade
• Emancipation of slaves in 1834
• Transition to a separate British colony in 1960 and self-governance in 1967

Government and Politics

Capital

Road Town is the capital of the British Virgin Islands, located on the island of Tortola. It serves as the administrative and commercial hub of the territory.

Government and Politics

The British Virgin Islands operate as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy. The government structure includes:

• A Governor appointed by the British monarch to represent the Crown
• An elected House of Assembly led by the Premier
• A judicial system based on English common law

The territory enjoys a high degree of autonomy, with local governance over most internal affairs.

Values and Culture

Core values in the British Virgin Islands include community spirit, respect for tradition, and a relaxed island lifestyle. The culture is a blend of African, European, and Caribbean influences.

Religion

Christianity is the predominant religion, with denominations such as Anglican, Methodist, and Baptist being most common. Religious practices play a significant role in community life.

Holidays

Major public holidays in the British Virgin Islands include:

• Territory Day on July 1
• Emancipation Festival in early August, celebrating the abolition of slavery
• Commonwealth Day on the second Monday in March
• Christmas and Easter, observed with religious services and family gatherings

Demographics and Society

Language

The official language of the British Virgin Islands is English, spoken with a distinct Caribbean dialect. Creole languages and Spanish are also spoken by some residents.

Society and Sports

The British Virgin Islands have a strong maritime culture, with sailing and yachting being central to recreational life. Popular sports include:

• Sailing and yachting: Attracting enthusiasts worldwide
• Cricket: Reflecting British heritage
• Football (soccer): Growing in popularity among the youth

Safety

The British Virgin Islands are considered one of the safer destinations in the Caribbean. The low crime rate and friendly communities make it a welcoming place for visitors and residents alike.

Economy and Currency

Economy

The British Virgin Islands have a prosperous economy driven by:

• Financial services: A major global center for offshore banking and company registration
• Tourism: Especially luxury tourism, sailing, and ecotourism
• Agriculture and fishing: Limited but present, focusing on local consumption

The economy is heavily influenced by international finance and a high standard of living.

Currency

The official currency of the British Virgin Islands is the United States Dollar (USD), symbolized by “$” and subdivided into 100 cents.

Culture and Arts

Culture and Arts

The British Virgin Islands boast a vibrant cultural scene, with a strong emphasis on music and festivals. Influential aspects include:

• Music: Genres like calypso, reggae, and fungi music are popular
• Festivals: Events like the Emancipation Festival showcase local traditions
• Art: Local artisans create crafts, paintings, and sculptures reflecting island life

Cuisine

The cuisine of the British Virgin Islands is a fusion of Caribbean flavors, featuring:

• Fresh seafood: Including lobster, conch, and fish dishes
• Traditional dishes: Such as “fish and fungi,” a cornmeal-based side
• Local specialties: Johnny cakes, roti, and bush tea

National Anthem

While “God Save the King” is the official national anthem, the territorial song “Oh, Beautiful Virgin Islands” holds significant local importance and is often used at official events.

Infrastructure and Transportation

Transportation

The British Virgin Islands have a well-developed transportation system for their size, including:

• Road networks: Mainly on Tortola and Virgin Gorda, driving is on the left
• Ferry services: Regular routes connecting the main islands
• Air travel: Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport serves international and regional flights
• Marinas: Facilities for yachts and boats, supporting the tourism industry

Time Zone

The British Virgin Islands operate on Atlantic Standard Time (AST), which is UTC-4.

Web and Phone Code

The internet country code is “.vg,” and the international dialing code is +1-284.

British Virgin Islands: Things to See and Do

The British Virgin Islands offer a blend of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural experiences. Here are some of the top things to see and do:

Explore The Baths National Park

Located on Virgin Gorda, The Baths feature massive granite boulders forming scenic grottoes and tidal pools, perfect for exploration and photography.

Enjoy Sailing and Yachting

Known as a premier sailing destination, activities include:

• Chartering a yacht: Explore the islands at your own pace
• BVI Spring Regatta: Participate in or watch this annual sailing event

Relax on Beautiful Beaches

The islands boast some of the Caribbean’s best beaches:

• White Bay: On Jost Van Dyke, famous for its white sand and beach bars like the Soggy Dollar
• Cane Garden Bay: A lively spot on Tortola with calm waters and nightlife

Discover Underwater Wonders

Dive into the clear waters to see:

• RMS Rhone Marine Park: Dive the wreck of a Royal Mail Steamer sunk in 1867
• Coral reefs: Snorkel or dive to see vibrant marine life around many islands

Visit Historic Sites

Learn about the islands’ past at:

• Callwood Rum Distillery: Sample local rum and see traditional distilling methods
• Fort Burt: Explore remnants of 17th-century fortifications

Experience Local Culture

Immerse yourself in island life by:

• Attending festivals: Such as the Emancipation Festival with parades and music
• Visiting local markets: Purchase crafts, spices, and souvenirs

Enjoy Water Sports

Take advantage of the islands’ natural playground with:

• Kiteboarding and windsurfing: Especially around Anegada
• Kayaking and paddleboarding: Explore mangroves and coastlines

Hike Sage Mountain National Park

On Tortola, hike through lush rainforest to the highest peak in the Virgin Islands, offering panoramic views of the surrounding sea and islands.