Martinique Flag

The red triangle stands for blood shed for emancipation and resistance; green evokes lush vegetation and African heritage; black reflects the people’s ancestry and labor. The flag draws on Pan-African colors and the island’s movements for cultural identity.

Martinique officially uses the French national flag due to its status as an overseas department. In local discourse, the colonial-era 'snake flag' (blue with white cross and snakes) is widely recognised but controversial due to its links to slavery and colonial rule. In 2023, a public vote and legislative process resulted in the official adoption of the Pan‑African flag (design created in 1968 by independence activists) for non‑governmental use.

The flag comprises a red triangle at the hoist over equal horizontal bands of green (top) and black below. The 2:3 ratio is consistent with other regional flags. No emblem or text appears, emphasizing powerful color symbolism.

As Martinique is not sovereign, the French flag remains the only permitted symbol on government buildings and official occasions. The red‑green‑black flag is flown in cultural or sporting events, community gatherings, and protests—not for official state use. The colonial-era 'snake flag' is discouraged due to its historical associations, and the republican French tricolour retains supremacy.