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Flag of Tonga

Oceania
100.2K
1875
Flag of Tonga
TO | 1:2

Symbolism

The red cross on the white canton represents the Christian faith. The white represents purity and the red field represents the blood of Christ shed during the Crucifixion.

History

Adopted on November 4, 1875, during the reign of King George Tupou I. The design deliberately reversed the colors of the Red Cross flag to express Tonga's Christian identity, and the 1875 constitution forbids any alteration to the flag for all time.

Construction

A 1:2 ratio. A red field with a white square canton containing a red Coupe cross.

Color Meanings

red: The blood of Christ shed during the Crucifixion
white: Purity and the Christian faith
red-cross: The Christian faith and the people's devotion

Country Facts

Population
100.2K

0.2% of Oceania

Capital
Nuku'alofa
Languages
English, Tongan
Continent
Oceania
Subregion
Pacific
Landlocked
Island state
ISO 3166-1
TO

Flag Identification

Adopted
November 4, 1875
Proportions

1:2

12
Total Colors
2
Key Symbols
Canton, Emblem

Influences

Red Cross flag (reversed)

Related flags

Flag Protocol

  • The constitution forbids changing the flag for any reason
  • It must be treated with the highest respect as a sacred symbol

Practice

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