Tuvalu

Tuvalu
Adopted	October 1, 1978 (modified on May 22, 2020)
Designed by	Vione Natano
Proportions	1:2

The flag of Tuvalu is light blue with the flag of the United Kingdom in the upper hoist-side quadrant; the outer half of the flag represents a map of the country with nine yellow five-pointed stars symbolizing the nine islands.

Symbolism

The Union Jack (upper left) reflects Tuvalu's long association with Great Britain and other Commonwealth members. The nine gold stars are symbolic of the nine islands within its borders: Funafuti, Nanumea, Nui, Nukufetau, Nukulaelae, Vaitupu, Nanumanga, Niulakita, and Niutao.

Other national flags

State flag

Governor-General's flag

History

The British colony of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands was divided in 1975 because the Melanesians dominating the Gilbert Islands (now Kiribati) and the Polynesians on the Ellice Islands (now Tuvalu) preferred to have separate states. The new Tuvalu government was granted a coat of arms by British authorities on December 3, 1976. This was used on the Union Jack as a state flag and on the British Blue Ensign as a state ensign. On the third anniversary of separation from the Gilberts—October 1, 1978—Tuvalu became independent under a new national flag. Designed by Vione Natano, the flag was similar to that of nearby Fiji.

The name "Tuvalu" means "eight together", referring to the eight islands which were inhabited. In October 1995 one of the stars on the flag was removed to conform with the country's name.

In 1995 advocates of a republican form of government were successful in introducing a new national flag from which the Union Jack was omitted. Hoisted on October 1, 1995, it had eight white stars spread across horizontal red-white-blue-white-red stripes. The national coat of arms appeared on a white triangle near the hoist. Those opposed to a republic were successful in forcing a reversion to the original independence flag on April 11, 1997. They were supported by many who felt that the change in the flag had been disrespectful toward Queen Elizabeth II.

Gilbert and Ellice Islands

October 1, 1976 – October 1, 1978

October 1, 1978 – October 1, 1995

October – December, 1995

January, 1996 - April 11, 1997

April 11, 1997 - 22 May 2020

Since 22 May 2020