National Flag of the Commonwealth of Dominica (1990)

A British colony until its independence on the 3rd of November 1978, the Commonwealth of Dominica is now a full republic within the British Commonwealth.

The current Dominican flag dates from the 3rd of November 1990, but essentially contains the same elements as the one adopted at independence in 1978. The order of the stripes has changed and some alterations have been made to the parrot. 

The Symbolic Meaning

The field of dark green represents the islands lush vegetation.

The three stripes of yellow, black and white together form a Christian cross, reflecting the strong Catholic faith of the island and also symbolising the Holy Trinity.

Separately they represent the sunshine of the country, agricultural produce and the initial human inhabitants of the island (yellow), the rich black soil of the island as well as its African heritage (black) and the crystal clear waterways of Dominica and the purity of its aspirations (white).

Centrally placed on the flag is the national bird of Dominica, the Sisserou parrot (Amazona Imperialis, the Imperial Parrot), perched on a branch it symbolises the islands ability to achieve and fly to greater heights. 

The red disc originally connoted socialism, however, this has evolved into the islands commitment to social justice. 

The ten green five-pointed stars represent the ten different parishes of the country.