Every nation tells its story through its symbols, and St Kitts and Nevis is no exception. From the flag raised at independence in 1983 to the brown pelican gliding along the coastline, each national symbol carries meaning drawn from the islands’ land, history and people. Here is a guide to the national symbols of the federation and what they represent.
The national flag
Adopted on 19 September 1983, the flag of St Kitts and Nevis features a diagonal black band edged in yellow, running from the lower hoist to the upper fly, separating a green triangle above from a red triangle below, with two white stars set on the band. Green stands for the islands’ fertile land; red for the struggle from slavery through colonialism to independence; black for the African heritage of the people; yellow for year-round sunshine; and the two white stars for hope and liberty — and the two islands themselves. It was designed by Edrice Lewis, whose entry won the national flag competition held ahead of independence.
Read the full story on our dedicated page: The St Kitts and Nevis Flag: Meaning, Colours and History.
The coat of arms
The coat of arms, also adopted at independence in 1983, brings together the nation’s history and natural wealth. Its shield carries a red chevron, a flaming torch symbolising the struggle and hope of the people, and emblems of the islands’ heritage including the fleur-de-lis and the rose, recalling French and English colonial history, with sugar cane and the coconut palm representing the land’s fertility. Two brown pelicans — the national bird — support the shield, and beneath it flies the national motto.
The national motto: “Country Above Self”
Few mottoes say so much in three words. “Country Above Self” calls every citizen to put the nation’s wellbeing first — a principle proclaimed on the coat of arms and echoed in civic life, schools and national ceremonies.
The national anthem: “O Land of Beauty!”
Written and composed by Kenrick Anderson Georges and adopted at independence in 1983, the anthem celebrates the islands’ beauty, faith and unity. Learn its story on the National Anthem page.
The national bird: the brown pelican
The brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) is the national bird of St Kitts and Nevis, a familiar sight diving for fish along the islands’ coasts. With its broad wingspan and distinctive pouch, the pelican symbolises the nation’s bond with the sea — and, having recovered from regional decline, it stands for resilience too. It appears twice on the coat of arms as the shield’s supporters.
The national flower: the poinciana
The poinciana or flamboyant tree (Delonix regia) is the national flower. Its brilliant red-orange blooms light up the islands as the summer rains arrive, reflecting the warmth, vibrancy and hospitality of Kittitian and Nevisian culture.
The royal palm
Tall, straight and elegant, the royal palm (Roystonea regia) is treasured as a symbol of strength and dignity, lining avenues and gardens across both islands and standing for the enduring spirit of the people.
Symbols in daily life
These symbols are not museum pieces — they are flown, sung, worn and celebrated. They appear on government buildings and school walls, at Independence Day ceremonies each September, and in the homes of the diaspora around the world. Many feature in the designs of our cultural & heritage collection and flag collection — one way Kittitians, Nevisians and friends of the federation carry the national story with them.