Flag of the British Indian Ocean Territory
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| Use | Civil and state flag and state ensign.  |
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| Proportion | 1:2 | ||||||||
| Adopted | November 8, 1990 | ||||||||
| Design |
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The flag of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) was adopted on November 8, 1990.
The BIOT flag 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 [1] 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. [2] 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 [3]. The Commissioner is based at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London.[4].
[edit] Other images
 The flag as used in 1990 |
 The flag flying on Diego Garcia |
 The flag on a stamp issued in 1990 |
[edit] Notes
- ^ Official BIOT Emblems. Cable and Wireless Diego Garcia. Accessed 1 February 2007.
- ^ Command Video. Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia. Accessed 28 August 2006.
- ^ Flags of the World - British Indian Ocean Territory. Accessed 28 August 2006
- ^ CIA - The World Factbook -- British Indian Ocean Territory. Accessed 28 August 2006
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