The Secret History Behind the Bahamas' Flag
The flag of the Bahamas was built from pieces of a national contest.
Before independence, the government invited the public to submit designs. The flag we know today, credited to Hervis Bain, took elements from the various submissions. It was raised for the first time at midnight on July 10, 1973, the moment the Bahamas became a new nation, replacing the British Blue Ensign.
Two aquamarine bands stand for the sea, the gold band for the sun and the golden beaches, and the black triangle on the hoist side for the strength and the unity of the Bahamian people and their determination to use the resources of the land and the sea.
The date printed on every Bahamas design in our catalog, July 10, 1973, is Independence Day.
Three colors, one triangle, and a country that decided on its own look.
Looking for a gift with a story? See our heritage gift guide, or read the story behind any other country's flag on our free Flag Stories page.