The flag of Kiribati consists of the upper half — red with a yellow frigate bird flying over a yellow rising sun, and the lower half — blue with three horizontal wavy white stripes to represent the ocean.[2]
Symbolism[]
- The wavy lines represent the Pacific Ocean and the group of Gilbert, Phoenix and Line islands.
- The seventeen rays signify Banaba and other sixteen Gilbert Islands.[1]
- The Sun symbolises that the islands are located close to the 180 degree meridian and equator.
- The Frigate bird (Fregat Aquilla) symbolises power, poise and freedom. To the natives it is a sign of sovereignty and kingly birth, and highly regarded as such.[3]
The design is based on the Kiribatian coat of arms.
History[]
The British acquired extensive colonies and protectorates in the Pacific Ocean during the 19th century, including the Gilbert Islands, with their Micronesian population, and the nearby Ellice Islands, which were dominated by Polynesians. In anticipation of independence from Britain, a referendum was held and the two territories were separated in 1976. The former Gilbert Islands were proclaimed the independent Republic of Kiribati, the name being simply the local spelling and pronunciation of "Gilberts". The new flag, hoisted at independence on July 12, 1979, was based on the coat of arms granted to the islands in 1937.[4]
.svg "Kiribati (1979-2020).svg (3 KB)")
References[]
Oceania
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 Australia |  Federated States of Micronesia |  Fiji |  Indonesia |  Kiribati |  Marshall Islands |  Nauru |  New Zealand |  Palau |  Papua New Guinea |  Samoa |  Solomon Islands |  Tonga |  Tuvalu |  Vanuatu
Dependencies and other territories |
