Symbolism
Red and white are traditional Polynesian colors. The central Polynesian canoe (piroque) rides a yellow sun over a blue and white wave pattern, representing the five archipelagos of French Polynesia. The canoe symbolizes the great voyaging tradition of the Maohi people across the Pacific.
History
The flag of French Polynesia was adopted by the Territorial Assembly on November 23, 1984. It serves as the territorial symbol while France retains sovereignty, and it is widely displayed at cultural and sporting events.
Construction
A 2:3 ratio red and white horizontal field with a centered emblem of a pirogue on a yellow sun above blue and white waves.
Color Meanings
red: The maohi people and vitality
white: Purity and the waves of the Pacific
blue: The ocean surrounding the archipelagos
yellow: The sun over the islands
Country Facts
- Continent
- Oceania
- Subregion
- Pacific
- Landlocked
- Island state
- ISO 3166-1
- PF
Flag Identification
- Adopted
- November 23, 1984
- Proportions
2:3 (≈1.500)
- Total Colors
- 3
- Key Symbols
- Emblem, Plant
Influences
Polynesian voyaging canoes
Maohi cultural renaissance
Flags with resemblance
Related flags
Flag Protocol
- Flown alongside the French tricolor in French Polynesia
- The piroque and sun emblem must appear centered
Practice
Think you know the flags of Oceania? Test your recognition in a quick practice round.