Kiribati

Republic of Kiribati
Adopted	July 12, 1979
Designed by	Sir Arthur Grimble
Proportions	1:2
Emoji	🇰🇮

The flag of Kiribati consists of the upper half — red with a yellow frigate bird flying over a yellow rising sun, and the lower half — blue with three horizontal wavy white stripes to represent the ocean.

Symbolism

• The wavy lines represent the Pacific Ocean and the group of Gilbert, Phoenix and Line islands.
• The seventeen rays signify Banaba and other sixteen Gilbert Islands.
• The Sun symbolises that the islands are located close to the 180 degree meridian and equator.
• The Frigate bird (Fregat Aquilla) symbolises power, poise and freedom. To the natives it is a sign of sovereignty and kingly birth, and highly regarded as such.

The design is a banner of arms, being based on the coat of arms of Kiribati.

History

The British acquired extensive colonies and protectorates in the Pacific Ocean during the 19th century, including the Gilbert Islands, with their Micronesian population, and the nearby Ellice Islands, which were dominated by Polynesians. In anticipation of independence from Britain, a referendum was held and the two territories were separated in 1976. The former Gilbert Islands were proclaimed the independent Republic of Kiribati, the name being simply the local spelling and pronunciation of "Gilberts". The new flag, hoisted at independence on July 12, 1979, was based on the coat of arms granted to the islands in 1937.

Abemama kingdom, April 15, 1884 – June 28, 1884

Abemama kingdom, June 28, 1884 – 1889

Abemama kingdom, 1889-1895

Gilbert and Ellice Islands, May 1937 – October 1, 1975

Japanese occupation (1941-1945)

British Gilbert Islands, October 1, 1975 – July 12, 1979

Republic of Kiribati, since 1979

Flag colors

Color	Color Name	HEX	RGB	Color of
	Perfect Red	#c81010	200, 16, 16	The red half
	Deep Lake	#183070	24, 48, 112	The blue half
	White	#ffffff	255, 255, 255	The white waves
	Speed Yellow	#f8d000	248, 208, 0	The yellow sun and frigate bird
	Black	#000000	0, 0, 0	Outlines on the sun and frigate bird

References

Featured Article	Kiribati
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