Symbolism
The red field represents the sky. The blue and white wavy bands represent the Pacific Ocean. The frigate bird soaring over the rising sun represents strength, freedom, and the country's position on the equator.
History
Adopted on July 12, 1979. The design is based on the coat of arms granted to the Gilbert and Ellice Islands in 1937.
Construction
A 1:2 ratio. The upper half is red with a yellow frigate bird and rising sun. The lower half features six wavy horizontal bands of white and blue.
Color Meanings
red: The sky and the power of the sun
blue: The Pacific Ocean that surrounds the islands
white: The crests of the waves and the clouds
yellow: The sun and the national frigate bird
Country Facts
- Population
- 120.7K
0.3% of Oceania
- Capital
- South Tarawa
- Languages
- English, Gilbertese
- Continent
- Oceania
- Subregion
- Pacific
- Landlocked
- Island state
- ISO 3166-1
- KI
Flag Identification
- Adopted
- July 12, 1979
- Designer
- Sir Arthur Grimble
- Proportions
1:2
- Total Colors
- 4
- Primary Layout
- Horizontal bands
- Key Symbols
- Animal
Influences
1937 Gilbert and Ellice Islands coat of arms
Related flags
Flag Protocol
- The frigate bird must be flying over the rising sun
- The wavy lines must be correctly oriented to represent the sea
Practice
Think you know the flags of Oceania? Test your recognition in a quick practice round.