Flag of Australia

Oceania

26.7M

1901

AU | 1:2

Official Palette

Symbolism

The Union Jack in the canton acknowledges Australia's historical ties to Great Britain. The large Commonwealth Star (seven points) represents the six original states and the territories. The five stars on the fly side represent the Southern Cross constellation, visible in the Australian night sky.

History

The design was chosen from a 1901 public competition following the Federation of Australia. It was officially approved by King Edward VII in 1903, and the current 7-pointed Commonwealth Star version was adopted in 1908.

Construction

A blue ensign in a 1:2 ratio. The Union Jack occupies the upper hoist quarter, the Commonwealth Star is centered in the lower hoist quarter, and the Southern Cross occupies the fly half.

Color Meanings

blue: The Pacific Ocean and the vast skies of the Southern Hemisphere

white: The Commonwealth Star and the stars of the Southern Cross

union-jack: Historical links to Great Britain and the Commonwealth

Country Facts

Population: 26.7M

58% of Oceania
Capital: Canberra
Languages: English
Continent: Oceania
Landlocked: No
ISO 3166-1: AU

Flag Identification

Adopted: September 3, 1901
Designer: Annie Dorrington, Ivor Evans, Leslie Hawkins, Egbert John Nuttall, William Smedley
Proportions: 1:2
Total Colors: 3
Key Symbols: Canton, Emblem, Stars

Influences

British Blue Ensign

Federation of Australia competition designs

Flags with resemblance

Visually close designs — compare colors and emblems, or try similarities mode.

Flag Protocol

The Union Jack must always be in the upper hoist quarter
The flag should be flown with the Southern Cross on the fly side
Must be illuminated if flown at night

Practice

Think you know the flags of Oceania? Test your recognition in a quick practice round.

Start Oceania Quiz