The Raggiana bird-of-paradise is the national bird of Papua New Guinea. The five stars represent the Southern Cross. Red and black have long been traditional colors of many Papua New Guinean tribes.
History
Designed by 15-year-old Susan Huhume, who won a nationwide design competition in 1971. Adopted upon independence on July 1, 1971.
Construction
A 3:4 ratio. Divided diagonally from the upper hoist to the lower fly. The upper triangle is red with a yellow bird-of-paradise, and the lower triangle is black with five white stars.