Flag of Tuvalu

The flag of Tuvalu is a deeply symbolic banner, representing the geography, history, and national identity of this Pacific island nation. Adopted on April 11, 1997, it features a unique combination of traditional elements and modern identity.

Design and Symbolism

The flag has a light blue field, with the Union Jack in the canton and nine yellow five-pointed stars on the fly side, arranged to approximate the geographical layout of the islands.

• The Light Blue Field: This color symbolizes the vast and vital Pacific Ocean that surrounds the archipelago and is an integral part of Tuvaluan life and culture. It represents the nation's tranquility, freedom, and hope.

• The Union Jack: Located in the upper left corner, this element signifies Tuvalu's historical ties to the United Kingdom and its status as a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. It is a reminder of the colonial past that shaped the modern state.

• The Nine Yellow Stars: The stars represent the nine islands and atolls that constitute Tuvalu. Their arrangement on the flag roughly corresponds to their actual geographical locations within the archipelago. The yellow color symbolizes optimism, joy, and the brilliant sunshine that blesses the islands. The number nine is significant; while the name "Tuvalu" means "eight standing together" in the Tuvaluan language, referring to the eight originally inhabited islands, the ninth star was included after the island of Niulakita was settled in 1949. The flag with nine stars thus represents the unity of all the islands.

History and Adoption

The history of the Tuvalu flag is closely tied to its political development. Before 1978, when Tuvalu gained independence from the United Kingdom, it was known as the Ellice Islands and was part of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands colony. After separating from the Gilbert Islands (now Kiribati) in 1975, Tuvalu adopted its first flag in 1976, which was then modified and officially adopted with independence on October 1, 1978.

In 1995, amid constitutional discussions, the flag was changed. The new flag removed the Union Jack and reduced the number of stars to eight to align with the country's name, "eight standing together." However, this change was highly unpopular among the public, who saw it as a move toward replacing the monarchy and breaking with tradition. Following widespread protests and a change in government, the original flag design with nine stars and the Union Jack was restored on April 11, 1997. This flag became a symbol of the people's resilience and commitment to their traditions.

Flag Size and Proportions

The official proportions of the Tuvalu flag are 1:2 (width to length). The area of the Union Jack in the canton occupies one-quarter of the total flag area. This specific proportion makes the flag easily recognizable among other British ensigns.

The Country, Region, and Meaning for Residents

Tuvalu is a small island nation in Polynesia, consisting of nine atolls and islands. The country is located roughly halfway between Australia and Hawaii. Tuvalu is the fourth smallest country in the world by land area and one of the lowest-lying nations, with its highest point at just 4.6 meters above sea level. This makes it particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change and rising sea levels.

For the people of Tuvalu, the flag is more than just a national symbol. It embodies their identity, their intimate connection to the life-giving ocean, and the unity of all the islands. The stars on the flag are not just points of light; they are their homes and families. The flag symbolizes their ongoing struggle to preserve their homeland in the face of global threats.

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