Quick, which are the only two countries in the world whose national flags do not contain red, white or blue?
One you probably know. The other is Mauritania.
The Jamaican flag was adopted on August 6, 1962, the original Jamaican Independence Day. The flag’s basic design is a saltire, a diagonal cross that is a heraldic symbol found in several national flags, including Scotland’s.
The colors of the Jamaican flag are brimming with symbolism. The yellow represents both the wealth of the island, and the ever-present sunshine. The green stands for the lush vegetation (the lower triangle definitely bears a resemblance to a mountain). The black is a tribute to the strength and creativity of the Jamaican people which has allowed them to overcome many great struggles.
When you visit Jamaica, you’ll see the flag everywhere. It is often seen adorning homes, government buildings, or wrapped around the shoulders of a post-race Usain Bolt.
(“Flag,” photo by Darryl Braaten. Is licensed under CC BY 2.0)