Flag of Virgin Islands (British)

Facts about the Flag of Virgin Islands (British)

1. The eleven lamps around Saint Ursula in the arms refer to the legend of her eleven thousand virgin companions, which is where the Virgin Islands got their name.
2. The motto Vigilate — be watchful — sits beneath the shield.
3. The flag of Virgin Islands (British) was officially adopted on November 15, 1960.
4. The flag in its present form is 66 years old as of 2026.
5. Design type: British Blue Ensign with the Virgin Islands coat of arms.
6. The official proportions are 1:2. It shares that ratio with 55 national flags.
7. The flag uses 4 colours: blue, white, red and gold.
8. The blue on the flag stands for the ensign field.
9. The white on the flag stands for the Union Jack and the arms.
10. The red on the flag stands for the Union Jack.
11. Saint Ursula and eleven lamps: The legend of Saint Ursula and her eleven thousand virgin companions, which gave the islands their name.
12. Motto: “Vigilate” — Be watchful.
13. The design belongs to the "British-style ensign" family, shared with 22 other flags in this reference.
14. Flags most often confused with it: Anguilla, Ascension Island and Australia.
15. Virgin Islands (British) is a British Overseas Territory, administered by the United Kingdom.
16. Sailing is the sport the islands are best known for.
17. The flag is flown everywhere on 1 July, Territory Day.
18. The capital is Road Town. The currency is the United States dollar (USD).