French Southern and Antarctic Lands Flag

The Union Jack canton signals French authority through the national tricolour. The monogram “T.A.A.F.” forms an anchor symbolizing maritime governance over remote islands. The five stars are generally interpreted as representing the five districts—Kerguelen, Crozet, Saint-Paul & Amsterdam, Adélie Land, and the Éparses Islands—underscoring the territory’s geographic scope.

Initially in 1958, a flag bearing the same design—but with a three‑star monogram—was used by the administrator. It was formally adopted across the territory by decree in 2007, replacing a period where only the French flag was used. The design was created to reflect cohesive administration across widely dispersed subantarctic and Antarctic zones.

Deep blue ensign with the French tricolour in the upper hoist canton. On the right, the interlaced letters “T.A.A.F.” are depicted in white, stylized to appear as an anchor, with five white stars arranged two above, and three below. The flag ratio of 2:3 matches French maritime flag usage.

The flag is flown alongside the French national flag at TAAF administrative posts, research bases, and support vessels. No separate ensign exists for civil use, but the flag adheres to French overseas territory ensign conventions. No special flag‑law applies locally, but its use reflects sovereignty and administrative unity across five distinct regions.