Flag of the Federated States of Micronesia

The flag of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is a beacon of unity and freedom, symbolizing the nation's profound connection to the Pacific Ocean and its four constituent states. Adopted on November 30, 1978, the flag's design is a simple yet powerful representation of the country's unique identity.

Design and Symbolism

The flag features a light blue field with four white five-pointed stars arranged in a diamond pattern in the center. The symbolism is straightforward and deeply meaningful to the Micronesian people.

• The Light Blue Field: This color represents the vast and magnificent Pacific Ocean, which surrounds and connects the islands of the federation. It symbolizes freedom, tranquility, and the life-giving nature of the sea, which is central to the Micronesian way of life. The shade of blue also pays homage to the United Nations, under whose trusteeship the islands were placed after World War II.

• The Four White Stars: The stars represent the four federated states of the nation: Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap. They are arranged in a diamond pattern to symbolize the compass points, reflecting the nation's position in the Pacific and the unity of the islands despite their geographical separation. The white color of the stars signifies peace, harmony, and the diverse communities that inhabit the islands.

History and Adoption

The current flag has a direct historical link to the flags used by the region under international administration. Prior to the FSM's independence, the area was part of the United Nations Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, administered by the United States. From 1965 to 1978, the Trust Territory used a similar blue flag with six white stars in a circle. These six stars represented the districts of Yap, Truk (now Chuuk), Pohnpei, Palau, the Marshall Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

As the districts prepared for self-governance, a new constitution was ratified by Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk, and Yap. The new flag, adopted in 1978, reduced the number of stars from six to four to represent the newly formed federation, as Palau, the Marshall Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands chose to pursue their own political paths. The light blue color, initially based on the UN flag, was retained to maintain continuity and honor the path to self-determination.

The People and the Region

The Federated States of Micronesia is a sovereign island nation in the Western Pacific Ocean, consisting of over 600 islands and atolls. The four states—Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae—each have their own distinct languages, cultures, and traditions, yet they are bound together by a shared history and a common identity as Micronesians. The flag serves as a powerful symbol of this unity in diversity, reminding the people that they are a single nation despite their geographical and cultural differences. The motto of the nation, "Peace, Unity, Liberty," is perfectly encapsulated in the flag's design and colors.

Interesting Facts

• The flag's ratio is officially 10:19, a proportion commonly used in U.S. flag heraldry, reflecting the nation's close association with the United States under the Compact of Free Association.

• Before the current flag, the Trust Territory flag featured a shade of blue closer to the UN flag, but it was later darkened slightly.

• The four states of the FSM are spread across a vast area of ocean, with the distance from Yap in the west to Kosrae in the east being over 1,700 miles (2,700 km).

The flag of the Federated States of Micronesia is a testament to the nation's journey from a trust territory to a sovereign state. It is a powerful reminder of the people's resilience, their deep connection to the ocean, and their enduring commitment to peace and unity.

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