Symbolism
The blue represents the Pacific Ocean. The orange and white diagonal bands represent the two main island chains (Ratak and Ralik) and also courage and peace. The 24-pointed star represents the 24 municipalities, with the four longer rays representing the capital and the three sub-centers.
History
Adopted on May 1, 1979, when the Marshall Islands gained self-government in free association with the United States. Emlain Kabua, the first First Lady, designed the flag for a 1979 contest; its diagonal bands represent the Ratak and Ralik island chains.
Construction
A 10:19 ratio. A blue field with two expanding diagonal stripes of orange and white, and a white star in the upper hoist.
Color Meanings
Country Facts
- Population
- 42.4K
<0.1% of Oceania
- Capital
- Majuro
- Languages
- English, Marshallese
- Continent
- Oceania
- Subregion
- Pacific
- Landlocked
- Island state
- ISO 3166-1
- MH
Flag Identification
- Adopted
- May 1, 1979
- Designer
- Emlain Kabua
- Proportions
10:19 (≈1.900)
- Total Colors
- 3
- Primary Layout
- Diagonal bands
- Key Symbols
- Stars
Influences
Related flags
Flag Protocol
- The diagonal bands must expand as they move away from the hoist
- The star must be in the upper hoist
Practice
Think you know the flags of Oceania? Test your recognition in a quick practice round.