The flag of the British Indian Ocean Territory is similar to the flags of other British dependencies and colonies as it has the Union Flag in the upper hoist-side corner. It is understood that the flag, which was granted by Queen Elizabeth II on the 25th anniversary of the BIOT in 1990 is that of the Commissioner and has only semi-official status.
Given that it is impossible for civilians to visit the British Indian Ocean Territory, it is not clear whether the flag is actually used. However, a video was released by the Naval Support Facility on Diego Garcia. It shows a scene were the flag is being flown. The only settlements on the Islands are the Anglo-American naval and air facilities.
It appears that the flag is also used by the Commissioner of the British Indian Ocean Territory. The Commissioner is based at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London.
Symbolism[]
The palm tree and crown are symbols of the Indian Ocean Territory. The blue and white wavy stripes represent the Indian Ocean, and their existence is a break from the traditional practice of flags of British colonies or former colonies.
Asia
|
---|
Nations Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan | Islamic Republic of Afghanistan | Bahrain | Bangladesh | Bhutan | Brunei | Cambodia | China | East Timor | India | Indonesia | Iran | Iraq | Israel | Japan | Jordan | Kuwait | Kyrgyzstan | Laos | Lebanon | Malaysia | Maldives | Mongolia | Myanmar | Nepal | North Korea | Oman | Pakistan | Philippines | Qatar | Saudi Arabia | Singapore | South Korea | Sri Lanka | Syria | Tajikistan | Thailand | Turkmenistan | United Arab Emirates | Uzbekistan | Vietnam | Yemen Transcontinental Nations Nations with limited/no recognition Territories |
Subdivisions of the United Kingdom
|
---|
Countries England | Northern Ireland | Scotland | Wales Crown Dependencies Overseas territories Sovereign base areas |