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.