List of Antarctic flags

Last updated

This list includes flags that either have been in use or are currently used in Antarctica.

Contents

Antarctic flag proposals

FlagDateNameDescription
White flag of surrender.svg
1929
Plain white flag
Proposed flag of Antarctica (Whitney Smith).svg
1978 [1]
Whitney Smith's proposal.
An orange field bearing an emblem consisting of a pair of hands holding a segment of a disk representing Earth with the letter "A" representing Antarctica.
Cooper & Tucker's Antarctica Flag Proposal.svg
1995 [2]
Joanne Cooper and Stefan Tucker's proposal.
An orange field bearing an outline of Antarctica, a compass pointing south at the bottom left, and the outline of a penguin to the right.
Proposed flag of Antarctica (Graham Bartram).svg
1996 [3]
Graham Bartram's proposal.
A white outline of Antarctica on a UN-blue background.
Proposed flag of Antarctica (Dave Hamilton).svg
1999 [3] [4]
Dave Hamilton's proposal.
The pale blue strip represents pack ice, the dark blue stripe represents the night sky and the yellow stripe is a representation of the aurora australis. The famous stellar constellation the Southern Cross is shown in the dark blue stripe at the right.
Olivier Leroi's Antarctic Flag Proposal.svg
2007/2008 [3]
Olivier Leroi's proposal.
The flag is vertically divided in four stripes — black, off-white, orange, and gray — reproducing the proportions of the colors on the "livery" (feathers) of an emperor penguin, selected as Antarctica's emblematic animal.
True South Antarctic Flag.svg
2018 [5] [6]
Evan Townsend's proposal (True South flag)
According to the flag's promoters, it signifies: "Horizontal stripes of navy and white represent the long days and nights at Antarctica's extreme latitude. In the center, a lone white peak erupts from a field of snow and ice, echoing those of the bergs, mountains, and pressure ridges that define the Antarctic horizon. The long shadow it casts forms the unmistakable shape of a compass arrow pointed south, an homage to the continent's legacy of exploration. Together, the two center shapes create a diamond, symbolizing the hope that Antarctica will continue to be a center of peace, discovery, and cooperation for generations to come."

Flags of international Antarctic organizations

FlagDateOrganizationDescription
Flag of the Antarctic Treaty.svg
Since 1961, [7] [8] formalized in 2002 [9]
Logo of the organization in 2:3 proportions. A white outline of Antarctica over a dark blue field with lines representing longitude and latitude counterchanged on top.
Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research flag.svg
2013 [10]
Logo of the organization in 2:3 proportions. A white outline of Antarctica on a blue field defaced with the acronym of the organization, surrounded by the text "The International Council for Science" and "Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research" arranged in a circle within a white circular line.

Flags of Antarctic territorial claims

FlagDateClaim/TerritoryDescription
Bandera de la Provincia de Tierra del Fuego.svg
Since 1999 [11]
The blue symbolizes the sky and sea surrounding the province, while the Southern Cross reflects the night sky and the albatross itself is a local bird that represents freedom through flight.
Flag of the British Antarctic Territory.svg
Since 1963 [12]
A UK white ensign less the cross of St. George defaced with the Coat of arms of the British Antarctic Territory.
Government Ensign of the British Antarctic Territory.svg
Flag of Magallanes, Chile.svg
Since 1997 [13]
The blue color represents the night sky, while the golden peaks symbolize the steppe region, white indicates the snow that often falls in winter, and the Southern Cross symbolizes the position of the area.
Flag of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands.svg
Since 2007 [14]
The flag consists of a blue field with the French flag with white fimbriation on the canton. The charge consists of 5 stars (for the five regions of the French Southern and Antarctic Territories) and the letters "TAAF" (from the French name of the territory, Terres australes et antarctiques françaises) forming a monogram in the shape of anchor.

Territorial flag proposals

FlagDateClaim/TerritoryDescription
Flag of the Ross Dependency (unofficial).svg
1995 [15]
The New Zealand flag is the basis for his design, though with an 'Ice Blue' background representing the Ross Sea, and the white horizontal bar at the bottom of the flag representing the Ross Ice Shelf.

Antarctic expedition flags

FlagDateExpeditionDescription
National Scottish Antarctic Expedition Flag.svg
1902–1904
Scottish saltire with the letters "S-N-A-E" as an acronym for "Scottish National Antarctic Expedition".
Imperial Japanese Antarctic Expedition Flag.svg
1910–1912
Flag of the Imperial Japanese Antarctic Expedition.svg
Byrd's Second Antarctic Expedition Flag.svg
1933–1939
Byrd's Second Antarctic Expedition Flag (Variant).svg
Ronne Antartic Research Expedition Flag.svg
1946–1948
"Transglobe" Expedition Flag.svg
1979–1982
UK flag defaced with a globe and an arrow circumnavigate it from North to South.

Antarctic base flags

FlagBaseCountryDescpription
National Science Foundation Antarctic Program Flag (White Variant).svg
Flag of the United States.svg  USA
White variant of the flag of the USAP: plain white field charged with the logo of the United States Antarctic Program.
National Science Foundation Antarctic Program Flag (Blue Variant).svg
Flag of the United States.svg  USA
Blue variant of the flag of the USAP: plain blue field charged with the logo of the United States Antarctic Program.
Bandera de la Base Naval Capitan Arturo Prat.svg
Flag of Chile.svg  Chile
Plain white field charged with the coat of arms of the base.
Gabriel de Castilla Spanish Antarctic Base (Horizontal Version).svg
Flag of Spain.svg  Spain
The flag of Spain defaced with the emblem of the base.

Other flags

FlagDateUseDescription
50th Anniversary Commemorative Flag of Byrd's First Antarctic Expedition.svg
1979 [16]
200 Years of Russia in Antarctica Commemorative Flag.svg
2020 [17]
200th Anniversary Commemorative Flag of Russia in Antarctica
RIYCA Burgee.svg
2000 [18]
White represents the ice and purity. Blue represents the sky and valor. The silhouette depicts Shakleton's efforts on the waters around Ross Island. The Antarctic Skua, inspires freedom found in the south and a free meal wherever it may be found. The bloodshot red bowsprit reflects the directional desires on earth and on the wheel of life.
Flag of AVA.svg
Since 2004 [19] [20]
Antarctic Vexillological Association
Blue represents the 24-hour day of the summer season, black represents the 24-hour night of the winter season, and white represents the ice and snow of the Antarctic continent. The Diamond in the middle if divided across the equator represents the "A" of Antarctica and "V" of Vexillology. The Diamond also represents the 4 compass points representing the compass points leading away from the geographic South Pole.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Antarctic Treaty System</span> International treaties concerning Antarctica

The Antarctic Treaty and related agreements, collectively known as the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS), regulate international relations with respect to Antarctica, Earth's only continent without a native human population. It was the first arms control agreement established during the Cold War, designating the continent as a scientific preserve, establishing freedom of scientific investigation, and banning military activity; for the purposes of the treaty system, Antarctica is defined as all the land and ice shelves south of 60°S latitude. Since September 2004, the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat, which implements the treaty system, is headquartered in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flag of Aruba</span>

The national flag of Aruba was adopted on 18 March 1976, along with the official anthem "Aruba Dushi Tera". The flag was partially designed by vexillologist Whitney Smith. On 18 March Aruba celebrates National Anthem and Flag Day, marked by local events across the island. It is also a significant day as it represents the Kingdom of the Netherlands giving Aruba an autonomous status.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vexillology</span> Study of flags

Vexillology is the study of the history, symbolism and usage of flags or, by extension, any interest in flags in general.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flag of Pennsylvania</span> Flag of the U.S. state of Pennsylvania

The flag of Pennsylvania consists of a blue field on which the state coat of arms is displayed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flags of the World (website)</span> Internet-based vexillological association and resource

Flags of the World is an Internet-based vexillological association and resource. Its principal project is the Internet's largest website devoted to vexillology, containing comprehensive information about various flags, and an associated mailing list. The mailing list began as a discussion group in about September 1993, while the website was founded by Giuseppe Bottasini in late 1994, and Rob Raeside took over as director in 1998. Flags of the World became the 56th member of the FIAV in 2001.

A flag of Antarctica is a flag or flag design that represents the continent of Antarctica. As a condominium with no single governing body, it does not have an official flag of its own. However, several designs have been created for the purpose of representing the continent.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North American Vexillological Association</span> Flag-studies organization

The North American Vexillological Association (NAVA) is a membership organization devoted to vexillology, the study of flags. It was founded in 1967 by American vexillologist Whitney Smith, and others. Its membership of 1,100+ comprises flag scholars, enthusiasts, designers, collectors, conservators, educators, merchants, manufacturers, historians, and hobbyists from most states and provinces of the United States and Canada, and more than 30 other countries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research</span> British organization

The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) is an interdisciplinary body of the International Science Council (ISC). SCAR coordinates international scientific research efforts in Antarctica, including the Southern Ocean.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flag of the British Antarctic Territory</span>

The flag of the British Antarctic Territory was granted on 21 April 1998. It features the coat of arms granted on 1 August 1963, a year after the British Antarctic Territory, a British Overseas Territory, was created. Previously, the Territory was a part of the Falkland Islands Dependencies and used the same flag. On 30 May 1969, a blue ensign with the British Antarctic Territory coat of arms in the fly was introduced as a government ensign.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">International Federation of Vexillological Associations</span> International vexillological institution

The International Federation of Vexillological Associations is an international federation of 53 regional, national, and multinational associations and institutions across the globe that study vexillology, which FIAV defines in its constitution as "the creation and development of a body of knowledge about flags of all types, their forms and functions, and of scientific theories and principles based on that knowledge."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flag of Réunion</span>

The flag of Réunion is the flag of the department of Réunion, France. The region uses the flag of France, the national flag of the country. Although the decentralization of France installed a number of flags of the metropolitan regions, Réunion does not have a separate official flag. However, the Regional Council of Réunion does have a flag.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flag of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands</span>

The flag of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands is a flag representing the overseas territory of France consisting of Adélie Land, the Crozet Islands, the Kerguelen Islands, Saint Paul and Amsterdam Islands, and the Scattered Islands. The flag was adopted on 23 February 2007.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Captain Arturo Prat Base</span> Antarctic base

Captain Arturo Prat Base is a Chilean Antarctic research station located at Iquique Cove, Greenwich Island in the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica.

This article contains a list of the flags and/or modifications made on the flags of current sovereign nations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Damoy Point</span> Headland in Antarctica

Damoy Point is a headland 900 metres (980 yd) west-northwest of Flag Point, the northern entrance point to the harbour of Port Lockroy, on the western side of Wiencke Island in the Palmer Archipelago of Antarctica. It was discovered and named by the French Antarctic Expedition, 1903–05, under Jean-Baptiste Charcot.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Antarctic Treaty issue</span> Postage stamp

The Antarctic Treaty issue is a postage stamp that was issued by the United States Post Office Department on June 23, 1971. Designed by Howard Koslow, it commemorates the tenth anniversary of the Antarctic Treaty, and is notable as Koslow's first postage stamp design.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flag of Burlington, Vermont</span>

The flag of Burlington, Vermont was adopted by the Burlington city council on November 27, 2017 during the mayorship of Miro Weinberger. It is five horizontal, zig-zag stripes of blue, white, green, white, and blue.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Antarctica Day</span> Celebration of the anniversary of the Antarctic Treaty

Antarctica Day is an international holiday recognizing the anniversary of the signing of the Antarctic Treaty in 1959. It is celebrated on December 1 each year. Along with Midwinter Day, it is one of Antarctica's two principal holidays.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Antarctica during World War II</span>

International competition extended to the continent of Antarctica during the World War II era, though the region saw no combat. During the prelude to war, Nazi Germany organised the 1938 Third German Antarctic Expedition to preempt Norway's claim to Queen Maud Land. The expedition served as the basis for a new German claim, called New Swabia. A year later, the United States Antarctic Service Expedition established two bases, which operated for two years before being abandoned. Responding to these encroachments, and taking advantage of Europe's wartime turmoil, the nearby nations of Chile and Argentina made their own claims. In 1940 Chile proclaimed the Chilean Antarctic Territory in areas already claimed by Britain, while Argentina proclaimed Argentine Antarctica in 1943 in an overlapping area.

References

  1. "Antarctica — Whitney Smith proposal". Flags Of The World (FOTW). 2 August 2020. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  2. Proceedings of the XX International Congress of Vexillology, Stockholm, 27th July to 1st August 2003. Jan Oskar Engene, Nordic Flag Society. Bergen, Norway: Nordic Flag Society. 2004. ISBN   82-996983-1-6. OCLC   224266642.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  3. 1 2 3 "Antarctica — flag proposals". Flags Of The World (FOTW). 2 August 2020. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  4. Mathers, Kyle. "Antarctica 2 Dollar". banknoteindex.com. Retrieved 6 November 2021.
  5. "Antarctica — True South proposal". Flags Of The World (FOTW). 2 August 2020. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  6. "True South". truesouthflag.com. 26 July 2020. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  7. "Antarctic treaty, first consultative meeting, 10 Jul 1961" (PDF) (in French).
  8. "Postage stamp issues to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the Antarctic Treaty, 1961". Polar Record. 16 (100): 104–105. January 1972. doi:10.1017/S0032247400062677. ISSN   1475-3057. The representatives recommend their governments:...that the most prominent feature of the stamp should be the Atlantic Treaty emblem representing a map of Antarctica, which appears on the official documents of consultative meetings;
  9. "Antarctic Treaty database - Decision 2 (2002) - ATCM XXV - CEP V, Warsaw". www.ats.aq. Retrieved 2022-10-22.
  10. Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (25 February 2013). "Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2022-10-21.
  11. "SAIJ". www.saij.gob.ar. Retrieved 2022-10-22.
  12. Martinez, Peter (1999). "Proc. XVII International Congress of Vexillology" (PDF). Proc. XVII International Congress of Vexillology: 233–237 via www.fiav.com.
  13. Nacional, Biblioteca del Congreso. "Biblioteca del Congreso Nacional | Ley Chile". www.bcn.cl/leychile (in Spanish). Retrieved 2022-10-22.
  14. T.A.A.F. (February 3, 2007). "Order n° 2007-18 of February 23, 2007" (PDF). Journal Officiel des Terres Australes et Antartiques Français (in French). 33: 16–17 via taaf.fr.
  15. "Ross Dependency". Archived from the original on 13 April 2018. Retrieved 31 January 2021.
  16. "50th anniversary of Byrd's historic flight". www.southpolestation.com. Retrieved 2021-03-23.
  17. "Commemorative flag for the 200th anniversary of the discovery of Antarctica travels to the ice continent". ROSSOTRUDNICHESTVO. July 21, 2020.
  18. Rejcek, Peter (September 6, 2013). "Join The Club - Enthusiasts Find Common Ground (Air, Water) At McMurdo Station". The Antarctic Sun.
  19. "Antarctic Vexillological Association". Facebook. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  20. "Antarctic Vexillological Association". www.crwflags.com. Retrieved 2024-03-20.