French Southern and Antarctic Lands Flag
National Flag of French Southern Territories
French Southern and Antarctic Lands Flag Display

Quick Facts About French Southern Territories and French Southern and Antarctic Lands Flag
- Adopted:
- Aspect Ratio:
- 2:3 (default)
- Capital:
- Port‑aux‑Français (administrative headquarters in Réunion)
- Population:
- No permanent residents; around 400–800 rotating scientific and military staff
Flag Description
The flag of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands (Terres australes et antarctiques françaises, TAAF) is a Blue Ensign with the French tricolour in the canton and a white monogram “T.A.A.F.” stylized as an anchor, encircled by five white stars on the fly side.
Symbolism & Meaning of the 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.
Historical Background of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands Flag
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.
Design Elements of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands Flag
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.
Usage & Protocol of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands Flag
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the colors of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands Flag represent?
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.
When was the French Southern and Antarctic Lands Flag adopted?
The French Southern Territories flag was adopted on 23 February 2007, marking an important milestone in the country's development as an independent nation.
What is the aspect ratio of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands Flag?
The French Southern Territories flag has an aspect ratio of 2:3 (default), which determines the proportional relationship between its width and height for official display purposes.