Page 237 - (DK) Complete Flags of the World

Australasia and Oceania

Tuvalu

Ratio: 1:2 Adopted: October 1, 1978 Usage: National and Civil

The Union
Jack signifies
continuing links
with Britain
The nine stars
are for the nine
islands

Australasia and Oceania
+IRIBATI TI I I The Ellice Islands separated from the Gilbert and
456!,5 Ellice Islands in 1975, and adopted the name
ON
3OLOMON )S
Tuvalu. Independence was gained in 1978.
Tuvalu means “eight islands,” However, anti-Commonwealth
although there are in fact nine, each feeling rose and in 1995, the
of which is represented by a star on government decided on a new flag
the flag. The stars’ arrangement is without the Union Jack. The new flag
supposed to reflect the islands’ introduced later that year, retained
geographic distribution. the stars, but included the arms in a
This flag was chosen because it triangle at the hoist. In April 1997 the
symbolizes the continuing links with original design was re-adopted,
Britain and the Commonwealth. following a change of government.

V
ARMS OF TUVALU Eight sets of objects
V
reflect the country’s title,
The coat of arms “Eight Together”
depicts a local meeting
house or maneapa
The border contains
eight sea shells and
eight banana leaves
The motto means
“Tuvalu for God”

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