National Symbols

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Our National Symbols are representative of our rich history and culture. They define the people of the British Virgin Islands and illustrate how proud we are of our heritage.

The BVI National Flag Design

The BVI National Flag has a blue background. It bears the Union Jack, or the flag of the UK, at the upper hoist corner as it is an overseas territory of the United Kingdom. At the outer half of the flag, the coat of arms, feature Saint Ursula and the lamps of her virgin follower. This gives the islands their names. The lamps represent 11,000 virgins, who according to legend were martyred along with Saint Ursula.

The BVI Coat of Arms

The Coat of Arms of the BVI was first granted in 1960. The arms consist of a shield, featuring a lady dressed in white holding a golden lamp, with 11 other golden lamps surrounding her on a green field. It is a representation of Saint Ursula, a Christian saint who is said to have taken a pilgrimage across Europe with 11,000 virgin handmaidens and a scroll bearing the latin word "VIGILATE", which means "Be watchful". When Christopher Columbus sighted the Islands in 1493, the Islands were said to have reminded him of the story of Saint Ursula and that is how the islands got their name.

BVI National Tree

The national tree of the BVI is the White Cedar (Tabebuia heterophylla). It's a small to medium size, mostly deciduous tree native to the BVI. Often planted in the islands as an ornamental tree bearing masses of pale pink trumpet blossoms in the spring. The wood is traditionally used in construction and for the ribs of boats.

BVI National Flower

One of the islands most beautiful flowering plants, the Oleander (Nerium oleander), is the National Flower of the BVI. Oleander is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the dogbane family Apocynaceae and is one of the most poisonous plants known.

BVI National Bird

The national bird of the BVI is the Mourning Dove (Zenaida Macroura). Mourning Doves live throughout southern Canada, United States and south to Panama. they are highly adaptable birds and are found in a wide variety of habitats. They are more common in open woodlands and forest edges near grasslands and fields. Males are larger than females and are slightly brighter in colour. Males also have a bluish crown and a rosy breast.

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