Flag of Papua New Guinea

The flag of Papua New Guinea is a striking and powerful symbol of the nation's unique identity, rich cultural heritage, and its journey to independence. Adopted on July 1, 1971, the flag's design is a testament to the creativity of its people, as it was the winning entry in a nationwide competition.

Design and Symbolism

The flag is divided diagonally from the upper hoist-side corner to the lower fly-side corner. The upper triangle is red, and the lower triangle is black. On the red field, a stylized golden Raggiana bird-of-paradise is depicted in flight. In the black field, five white five-pointed stars form the constellation of the Southern Cross.

• Red: The red color symbolizes the land and the people's passion, vitality, and connection to their traditional rituals and cultural heritage. It also represents the vibrant and diverse flora and fauna of the country.

• Black: Black is a color of great significance to the indigenous people of Papua New Guinea, representing the many different ethnic groups and their rich, ancient history. It is a symbol of their unity and the strength of their traditions.

• The Bird-of-Paradise: The golden Raggiana bird-of-paradise is a national emblem and a rare, beautiful bird native to the island of New Guinea. Its presence on the flag symbolizes the nation's birth as a sovereign state and its rise from a colonial past. The bird is depicted in flight, representing freedom and a forward-looking spirit.

• The Southern Cross: The five white stars forming the Southern Cross constellation are a powerful symbol of the nation's location in the Southern Hemisphere. This constellation is an important navigational tool for the people of the Pacific and represents their ancestral ties to the sea. The white color of the stars symbolizes peace and the pure hearts of the people.

History and Adoption

Before the adoption of the current flag, Papua New Guinea was a territory under Australian administration, and its flag was a variation of the Australian flag. As the country moved towards self-government and eventual independence, a national competition was held in 1971 to design a new flag that would better represent its people.

The winning design was created by Susan Karike, a 15-year-old high school student at the time. Her design was chosen for its simple yet powerful symbolism, which captured the essence of the nation's spirit. The flag was officially adopted on July 1, 1971, the day the country achieved self-government. When Papua New Guinea gained full independence on September 16, 1975, this flag was retained as the national symbol, a testament to its enduring relevance and the pride it instilled in the people.

Flag Size and Proportions

The official ratio of the flag of Papua New Guinea is 3:4 (width to length). The diagonal division runs from the upper hoist-side to the lower fly-side. The dimensions and placement of the bird-of-paradise and the Southern Cross stars are meticulously defined to ensure consistency and proper representation.

The Country, Region, and Meaning for Residents

Papua New Guinea occupies the eastern half of the island of New Guinea and its offshore islands in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It is a land of incredible geographical and cultural diversity, home to over 800 languages and a vast number of ethnic groups. Its rugged terrain includes dense rainforests, active volcanoes, and vast coastal areas.

For the people of Papua New Guinea, the flag is a source of immense national pride. It is a symbol of their successful journey to independence and the unification of a people with incredibly diverse backgrounds. The fact that the flag was designed by a young national makes it particularly special and a symbol of hope for future generations. The flag’s colors and symbols represent their deep connection to their land, their traditions, and their place in the Pacific.

Interesting Facts

• The national bird, the Raggiana bird-of-paradise, is also the subject of a traditional dance and is featured on the country's national coat of arms.

• The flag's design was almost a different one, with a vertical tricolor of green, yellow, and blue, but Susan Karike’s design was chosen because it was more distinct and rooted in local culture.

• The country's official name, Papua New Guinea, is represented by the colors and symbols on the flag, highlighting the unity of its various regions and people.

The flag of Papua New Guinea is a powerful visual narrative, a vibrant testament to its people's resilience, cultural richness, and enduring spirit of independence.

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