The flag of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) is similar to the flags of other British dependencies and colonies as it has the Union Flag in the upper hoist-side corner. The palm tree and crown are symbols of the Indian Ocean Territory. The origin or meaning of the wavy lines is unknown, and their existence is a break from the traditional practice of flags of British colonies or former colonies. 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.
The BIOT flag is similar to the flag of British Columbia.
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 where the flag is being flown. The only settlements on the Islands are the Anglo-American naval and air facilities.
The flag does indeed fly at Diego Garcia, along with the American Flag. Both are lowered at the end of the duty day.
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.
Read more about Flag Of The British Indian Ocean Territory: Other Images
Famous quotes containing the words flag, british, indian, ocean and/or territory:
“By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood
And fired the shot heard round the world.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
“There is much to be said against the climate on the coast of British Columbia and Alaska; yet, I believe that the scenery of one good day will compensate the tourists who will go there in increasing numbers.”
—Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882–1945)
“Having resumed our seats in the canoe, I felt the Indian wiping my back, which he had accidently spat upon. He said it was a sign that I was going to be married.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“To the Ocean now I fly,
And those happy climes that ly
Where day never shuts his eye,
Up in the broad fields of the sky:”
—John Milton (1608–1674)
“When the excessively shy force themselves to be forward, they are frequently surprisingly unsubtle and overdirect and even rude: they have entered an extreme region beyond their normal personality, an area of social crime where gradations don’t count; unavailable to them are the instincts and taboos that booming extroverts, who know the territory of self-advancement far better, can rely on.”
—Nicholson Baker (b. 1957)