Symbolism
Blue represents the Pacific Ocean and the Marianas Trench. White represents the limestone cliffs and coral beaches of the islands. A latte stone (traditional Chamorro pillar) stands before a decorative wreath called a mwáár, symbolizing the Chamorro and Carolinian heritage of the Commonwealth.
History
The flag was adopted on July 1, 1972, by the Northern Mariana Islands legislature while still under U.S. Trust territory status. It remained the flag when the islands became a U.S. Commonwealth in 1978 and after the 1986 covenant.
Construction
A 1:2 ratio. A blue field with a white latte stone and mwáár wreath centered.
Color Meanings
blue: The Pacific Ocean surrounding the islands
white: Beaches, cliffs, and peace
tan: The latte stone of Chamorro culture
Country Facts
- Continent
- Oceania
- Subregion
- Pacific
- Landlocked
- Island state
- ISO 3166-1
- MP
Flag Identification
- Adopted
- July 1, 1972
- Proportions
1:2
- Total Colors
- 2
- Key Symbols
- Emblem, Stars
Influences
Chamorro latte stone architecture
Carolinian mwáár wreath
Related flags
Flag Protocol
- The latte stone must appear behind the mwáár wreath
- Must not be flown above the United States flag in the Commonwealth
Practice
Think you know the flags of Oceania? Test your recognition in a quick practice round.