13 June 1985 (shortly after the coat of arms was granted, 41 years).
Designed byRoselle Richardson (1985).
Design & Symbolism
Specs plus what each color and emblem means on this flag — tap an element to reveal its meaning.
Proportions
2:3
Shape
Rectangular
Colors
Red#DE2110 · Pantone 186 C
Red depicts the courage and solidarity of the islanders.
White#FFFFFF
The white triangle depicts peace and freedom.
Blue#002B7F · Pantone 280 C
Blue depicts the Caribbean Sea and the sky.
Symbols & elements
Coat of arms
Pelican
Sun
Construction details
Proportions 2:3. Two horizontal bands, red on top, blue below, with a white triangle at the hoist bearing the coat of arms: a courthouse, a border monument, a pelican and the sage flower, beneath a rising sun and the motto 'Semper Progrediens'.
Construction sheet
Etiquette & protocol
How the flag should be used and displayed with respect.
Specific rules — Sint Maarten
The territorial flag does not take precedence over the flag of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
It flies on public buildings and at official ceremonies.
Common conventions
Keep the flag clean and never let it touch the ground.
Never fly a torn or faded flag — repair or replace it.
Illuminate the flag if it stays up at night.
Never use the flag as clothing, packaging or advertising.
Dispose of a worn flag respectfully, not in the trash.
Did you know?
It represents the part of a Caribbean island shared between two European nations, a division dating to a 1648 treaty.
