Flag of Kiribati

The flag of Kiribati is a visually striking and profoundly symbolic emblem that captures the essence of the nation's unique geography, its rich culture, and its journey to independence. Adopted on July 12, 1979, the day Kiribati became a sovereign state, the flag is a beautiful tapestry of the country's natural elements and its national aspirations.

Design and Symbolism

The flag's design is divided into two halves. The upper half is red, and the lower half consists of six alternating blue and white wavy bands. In the center of the red half, a golden frigate bird flies above a golden sun with 17 rays.

• The Red Upper Half: The red color of the sky symbolizes the rising sun and the equatorial location of the islands. It also represents the national color of the I-Kiribati people, reflecting their courage and the blood of their ancestors.

• The Blue and White Wavy Bands: The lower half, with its three blue and three white wavy bands, represents the vast Pacific Ocean that surrounds the islands. The three wavy bands symbolize the three main island groups that make up the nation: the Gilbert Islands, the Phoenix Islands, and the Line Islands. The blue color signifies the ocean, while the white represents the pristine beaches and the peaceful nature of the sea.

• The Golden Frigate Bird: A prominent figure in the upper half of the flag, the frigate bird is a powerful symbol of freedom, power, and traditional folklore. The bird, known as te eitei in the local language, is a common sight in Kiribati's skies and is renowned for its grace and power in flight. It represents the ability of the Kiribati people to navigate the vast ocean and their mastery of the sea.

• The Golden Sun with 17 Rays: The sun represents Kiribati's position on the equator and its constant brightness. The sun is a central part of the islanders' lives, influencing their crops, fishing, and daily routines. The 17 rays of the sun are not arbitrary; they represent the 16 Gilbert Islands and the single island of Banaba (Ocean Island), which were the main populated islands at the time the flag was designed.

History and Adoption

The design of the Kiribati flag is based on the coat of arms that was granted to the British colony of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands in 1937. The coat of arms itself was designed by Sir Arthur Grimble, a British Resident Commissioner. When the Gilbert Islands separated from the Ellice Islands (now Tuvalu) and prepared for independence, the coat of arms was adapted to serve as the national flag.

The design was slightly modified from the original coat of arms, which had a different star count and arrangement. The current design was officially adopted on July 12, 1979, the day Kiribati gained independence from the United Kingdom.

Flag Size and Proportions

The official ratio of the flag of Kiribati is 1:2 (width to length). The design is meticulously crafted to ensure that the proportions of the frigate bird, the sun, and the wavy bands are all correctly balanced, creating a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing national symbol.

The Country, Region, and Meaning for Residents

Kiribati is an island nation located in the central Pacific Ocean, straddling both the equator and the International Date Line. The country is composed of 32 atolls and one raised coral island, Banaba. Its people, the I-Kiribati, have a deep cultural connection to the sea and the sky, which is profoundly reflected in their flag.

For the residents of Kiribati, the flag is a sacred symbol of their identity, their heritage, and their unity as a nation. The sun and the frigate bird speak to their daily life, their traditions, and their survival in a challenging maritime environment. The three wavy bands are a powerful reminder of their collective identity as people from different island groups, now united under one banner. The flag is a source of immense national pride and a testament to their resilience and cultural strength.

Interesting Facts

• The Kiribati flag is one of the few national flags in the world that features a flying bird.

• The design is unique in its horizontal division, representing the sky and the sea.

• Kiribati is the only country in the world that is situated in all four hemispheres (North, South, East, and West).

The flag of Kiribati is more than just a piece of cloth; it is a visual poem that tells the story of an island nation, its people, and its unique place in the world.

In the demonstration images, full-size flags are shown with proportions of 2:3, and hand-held flags with proportions of 1:2.