Page 234 - (DK) Complete Flags of the World

Australasia and Oceania

Marshall Islands

Ratio: 10:19 Adopted: May 1, 1979 Usage: National and Civil

A 24-pointed The two
star, one for each stripes, orange
of the districts over white,
on the islands represent the
two parallel
chains of
the Marshall
Islands

Blue field for the
Pacific Ocean

Australasia and Oceania
O
.ORTHERN The Marshall Islands were part of the US Trust
O
O
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
23(!
A
A
A
-ARIANAS -!23(!,,
)S
Territory of the Pacific Islands from 1945–1986.
They became fully independent in 1990.
The Marshall Islands became a self- further than the others and stand
governing territory on May 1, 1979, for the capital, Majuro, and the
and on that day a new national flag administrative districts of Wotji,
was adopted. Designed by Emlain Yaluit, and Kwajalein. They also
Kabua, wife of the president of form a cross, signifying the Christian
the new government, it was the faith of the Marshallese.
winning entry in a competition
that had attracted 50 designs. SYMBOLS OF PROSPERITY
The two parallel stripes extending
AFLAG FOR A PACIFIC ISLAND across the flag symbolize the two
The flag’s dark blue field represents parallel chains of the Marshall Islands:
the vast area of the Pacific Ocean the Ratak (Sunrise) Chain is white,
over which the islands are scattered. the Ralik (Sunset) Chain is orange.
The star symbolizes the geographical The stripes extend and widen
position of the islands, which lie a upward. This is said to signify the
few degrees above the Equator. The increase in growth and vitality of life
star has 24 points, representing the on the islands. Orange also
24 municipalities of the Marshall symbolizes courage and prosperity,
Islands. Four of its rays extend while white represents peace.
230