Flag of Samoa

The flag of Samoa is a striking and symbolic representation of the nation's independence, its deep-rooted connection to the Pacific Ocean, and its commitment to Christian values. Adopted on February 24, 1949, and officially retained upon gaining full independence on January 1, 1962, the flag's design tells a story of sovereignty and heritage.

Design and Symbolism

The flag features a red field with a blue canton in the upper hoist-side corner. Within the blue canton are five white stars that form the Southern Cross constellation.

• Red Field: The vibrant red color that dominates the flag is a symbol of courage and the blood of the Samoan people, a tribute to those who fought for the nation's independence and sovereignty. It also represents a deep sense of patriotism and the warmth of the Samoan people.

• Blue Canton: The blue square in the corner represents freedom and the vast Pacific Ocean that surrounds the archipelago. It symbolizes the tranquility and expansive nature of the sea, which is fundamental to the Samoan way of life, from sustenance to culture.

• The Southern Cross: The five white stars form the Crux constellation, commonly known as the Southern Cross. This constellation is a prominent feature in the Southern Hemisphere sky and holds immense significance for Pacific islanders as a traditional navigational guide. For Samoa, it represents its geographical position in the world and its spiritual link to the Christian faith. The white color of the stars symbolizes purity, hope, and the nation’s core values. The arrangement of the stars is based on the actual astronomical alignment of the constellation.

History and Adoption

The flag’s design has roots in the period when Samoa was a United Nations Trust Territory administered by New Zealand. From 1948 to 1949, a committee was formed to select a national flag. The initial design, which was adopted in 1949, was a red flag with a blue canton containing the Southern Cross. However, it only had four stars. The fifth star was added shortly after, in 1949, to more accurately represent the constellation.

When Samoa (then Western Samoa) became the first Pacific island nation to gain independence in 1962, it chose to retain the flag, solidifying it as a symbol of the newly independent state. The flag's design was seen as a perfect blend of modern nationhood and ancient Polynesian heritage, connecting its people to their seafaring ancestors while declaring its new status on the world stage.

Flag Size and Proportions

The official ratio of the flag of Samoa is 1:2 (width to length). The blue canton occupies one-quarter of the flag's total area. The size and positioning of the five stars within the canton are carefully regulated to ensure the constellation's integrity.

The Country, Region, and Meaning for Residents

Samoa is a Polynesian island nation in the South Pacific Ocean. It consists of two main islands, Upolu and Savai'i, and several smaller islets. The country is known for its beautiful beaches, rugged volcanoes, and rich cultural traditions, particularly the Fa'a Samoa (The Samoan Way), a deeply communal way of life.

For the people of Samoa, the flag is much more than a national banner. It is a symbol of their hard-won independence and a visual representation of their identity. The red field reminds them of the courage and sacrifice of their ancestors. The blue canton and the Southern Cross connect them to their physical environment—the vast ocean—and their spiritual heritage. The stars serve as a reminder of their place in the world and their faith, guiding them as they navigate their future.

Interesting Facts

• Samoa was the first Pacific island nation to achieve independence from colonial rule in the 20th century.

• The Southern Cross constellation is featured on several other national flags, including those of Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Brazil, reflecting its importance in the Southern Hemisphere.

• The Southern Cross on the Samoan flag is a direct and permanent link to the night sky that guided Polynesian navigators on their voyages across the Pacific.

The flag of Samoa is a proud and timeless emblem, a vibrant testament to the nation's past struggles, its present identity, and its future aspirations.

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