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Flag of the U.S. Virgin Islands
A white field with a golden eagle, a shield, and the letters V and I.
The flag of the U.S. Virgin Islands has a white field with a golden eagle at the centre, holding a green laurel branch in one talon and three arrows in the other, with a shield on its breast. The blue letters V and I — for Virgin Islands — sit on either side. The U.S. Virgin Islands are an unincorporated territory of the United States in the Caribbean.
About the U.S. Virgin Islands flag
The flag was adopted in 1921, a few years after the United States bought the islands from Denmark in 1917. It shows a simplified version of the Great Seal of the United States: a golden eagle bearing a shield modelled on the U.S. coat of arms. In its talons the eagle holds a laurel branch, a symbol of peace, and three arrows, one for each of the territory's three main islands — St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix. The initials V and I stand for Virgin Islands.
U.S. Virgin Islands flag colours
The U.S. Virgin Islands flag is mostly white, with the golden eagle and the blue, green and red of its emblems. These are the approximate shades:
U.S. Virgin Islands flag facts
Frequently asked questions
What does the flag look like?
A white field with a golden eagle holding a laurel branch and three arrows, a shield on its chest, and the blue letters V and I on each side.
What do the eagle and letters mean?
The eagle and shield = the United States; the laurel = peace; the three arrows = the islands St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix; V and I = Virgin Islands.
Are the USVI part of the US?
They're an unincorporated U.S. territory; people born there are U.S. citizens. Not a separate UN country, so they sit here under Territories & Regions.
When was the flag adopted?
In 1921, a few years after the U.S. bought the islands from Denmark in 1917.