GAMBIA

Description

The national flag of the GAMBIA consists of three horizontal red, blue and green bands separated by two thin white fimbriations. Adopted in 1965 to replace the British Blue Ensign defaced with the arms of the Gambia Colony and Protectorate, it has been the flag of the Republic of the Gambia since the country gained independence that year. It remained unchanged throughout the Gambia’s seven-year confederation with Senegal.

The British first arrived in what is now modern-day Gambia in 1661, when they conquered James Island. They proceeded to construct forts around the confluence of the Gambia River with the Atlantic Ocean, and gradually expanded their control upstream. This area became a protectorate in the 1820s under the jurisdiction of Sierra Leone, and eventually emerged as a separate crown colony of the United Kingdom within its colonial empire in 1888. This newfound status gave the Gambia its own “distinctive” colonial flag. This is because colonies were permitted to utilize the British Blue Ensign and deface it with the arms of the territory under the Colonial Naval Defence Act 1865. The arms of the Gambia at the time consisted of a circle depicting an elephant, a palm tree and hills, along with the letter “G” standing for the first letter of the territory’s name.

The Gambia was granted self-governance in 1963. The defaced blue ensign continued to be used until full independence was granted in 1965. The winning design for the new flag was created by Louis Thomasi, who worked as an accountant. It is one of the few African flags that does not utilize the colours of the country’s leading political party, since its design “has no political basis”. It was first hoisted at midnight on February 18, 1965, the day the Gambia became an independent country. In 1982, the Gambia formed a confederation with Senegal, which lasted for seven years before its dissolution in 1989. However, this closer union did not result in change of national symbols, and the Gambian flag continued to be flown during this time.

Flags come in various types as described below and sizes are commonly referred to in feet rather than metres, so please read about the various types of flag below and then make your selection from the drop down menu

Decorative Flags: These have 2 grommets on LHS sleeve and are printed on polyester which makes for a lightweight flag with a variety of uses such as flying on indoor poles or wall dC)cor. They are great for supporting favourite sports team; decoration in parades, marches and occasional flying on an outdoor flagpole. We emphasise these flags are not designed for prolonged flying on flagpoles as sun and wind would affect the lightweight material very quickly. There are two common sizes in decorative flags which are 5x3ft (150x90cm) and the smaller 3x2ft (90x60cm)

Outdoor Flagpole Flags: These are a btrilobalb material which is a knitted polyester for outdoor flag use which is long life, open weave, quick wicking and drying

Note this is knitted polyester and not a woven polyester, with the latter being weaker and lighter fabric unsuitable for outdoor use.

Our flags have double-stitched hems, and sewn loops so that you can attach Sista clips to secure them to the polebs cords. The most common sizes in outdoor flags is 6x3ft (180x90cm)

Sista Clips for Outdoor Flagpole Flags: The correct name is Inglefield clip or Brummel hook but commonly known as sister or sista. Itbs a plastic clip for joining a flag or ensign quickly, easily and securely to flag halyards so that the flag can be hoisted. Each clip resembles a link of chain, with a split through one side.

Hand Held Flags: These are printed on lightweight polyester with 2ft (60cm) plastic or wooden stick. They have a variety of uses such as parades, marches or supporting favourite sports team. They are 1.5x1ft (0.45×0.3m)

Desk / Table Flags: These are miniature flags printed on lightweight polyester measuring 6x4inches (16x11cm) with an 11″ (28cm) plastic pole. They are used as hand held or can be stood on desktops when inserted into a special plastic base (not included in the price)

Desk / Table Flag Bases: These are available to hold either 1,2,3,5,11 or 17 flags which are available HERE

Patches: These measure 3.5bx2.25b (8.25×5.5cm) and are sewn or iron-on miniature embroidered cotton flags. They are used mainly by travellers who affix them to jackets, jeans, T-Shirts or backpacks