Currently, a light-blue field is split into four quarters, with a white cross and a white snake is in the middle of every quarter.
The snakes on the flag are fer-de-lance vipers that are indigenous poisonous snakes found in Martinique (Bothrops lanceolatus, trigonocephale in French).
Protocol
The tricolor of France is used in Martinique for official events. As the country is a member of the European Union, the flag of European Union is also used in the country. The flag was adopted on August 4, 1766. As it is an overseas region of France, the country hoists the tricolor of France along with its unofficial flag.
History
Before the Caribbean island was annexed by the United Kingdom, Martinique was governed from St Lucia. This ensign dates back prior to the French Rebellion. It was first hoisted on August 4, 1766 as the ensign of the new French settlement of St Lucia and Martinique, and the vessels of these two settlements were decreed to use it. At present, the ensign is hoisted (erroneously) by sailors as a courtesy flag to the Caribbean territory while they are supposed to hoist the tricolor of France in its place.
The tricolore is the French national ensign and it comprises three upright stripes of same breadth, showing the national colors of France: white, blue, and red. The blue stripe is placed closest to the pole, the white stripe in the center, and the red stripe on the exterior.
The colors red, white, and blue symbolize liberty, equality, and fraternity. These are the morals of the French Rebellion. White is the shade of the Royal House of Bourbon and at the same time, blue and red are the traditional shades of Paris.
| Adopted On | August 4, 1766 |
| Name | Flag of Martinique, Martinique Flag, National Flag of Martinique |
| Stands for | The L-shaped snakes signify Lucia since Martinique was governed from St. Lucia. |
| Proportion | 2:3 |
| Colors | Blue and White. |
