Founded in 2008, Flandrensis was not the ecological project we know today. The founder, a history student, drew his inspiration from the rich history of Flanders and Belgium, with a special focus on the Middle Ages.
We underline that our national symbols have no connection with Yemen or other countries with similar flags, the historical German Imperial flag, or current political and separatist movements using the same colors in their flag. The Flandrensian flag stands as a symbol of respect and pride within the global micronational community, proudly flown in over 70 countries around the world!
The flag
The flag of Flandrensis is a tricolour consisting of the three equal horizontal red, white, and black bands. The flag bears the national coat of arms, the Flandrensian lions centred in the white band.
The flag pays homage to the inaugural Belgian flag of 1830, which was oriented horizontally, diverging from its current vertical tricolor. The yellow was replaced by white, this color symbolizes a blank, new beginning
The coat of arms
The coat of arms of Flandrensis shows two black lions passant on a gold field. It traditionally symbolises bravery, valour, strength, and royalty, since traditionally, it is regarded as the king of beasts.
The Flandrensian lions are inspired on the coat of arms of the counts of Flanders, dating from 1163 by Count Philip of Alsace. The Flemish lion is rampant (standing). But his illegitimate cousin William of Ypres, already used a seal with a lion passant gardant (walking) in 1158.
Therefore the founder chose two lions passant gardant, the second lion symbolises again the resurrection of the medieval Flandrensis.
The national currency
The Flandri is the currency of the Grand Duchy of Flandrensis and are designed by Baron F.R. Verkerk de Beauville. At this moment only the coin of 1 FL is available in the shop.
Logo of the organization
Since the foundation of the Belgian non-profit organization “vzw Groothertogdom Flandrensis”, the Board of Directors chose a modern logo for all official communication with local authorities and environmental organizations. The blue and white colors refer to Flandrensis’ mission of protecting Antarctica. For all micronational affairs and events, Flandrensis always uses her national symbols.
The True South flag (Antarctica)
Antarctica does not have a universally recognized flag, the Graham Bartram’s design (based on the UN-model) is the most commonly used flag. But Flandrensis adopted the True South proposal, designed by Evan Townsend. This flag was already used by National Antarctic programs, nonprofits, expedition teams, etc. Why the True South flag? Because “Antarctica has no permanent human population, but its future rests in human hands. It is more urgent than ever to have a symbol which a global community can unite behind. Wherever it flies, True South serves as a reminder that— on or off the continent— the stewardship of Antarctica is the privilege and responsibility of us all.”
