Flag of Nauru

Following the independence of Nauru, the flag of Nauru (Nauruan: anidenin Naoero) was raised for the first time. The flag, chosen in a local design competition, was adopted on independence day, 31 January 1968. The design symbolically depicts Nauru's geographical position, with a star just south of the Equator.

Nauru
UseState flag and civil ensign Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag
Proportion1:2
Adopted31 January 1968
DesignA blue field with the thin yellow narrow horizontal stripe across in the center and the large white twelve-pointed star on the bottom of the stripe and near the hoist-side.
Flag at the Parliament of Nauru

Proportions and symbolism

The flag reflects the geographical location of the island nation.

The narrow gold stripe with a width of 1⁄12 of the length of the flag represents the Equator.[1][2] The stripe along with the star signifies the location of the island in the Pacific Ocean one degree south of the Equator.[3] The separation of the blue flag cloth into two equal parts recalls the saga, that the first inhabitants were to have been brought to Earth from two boulders.

Nauru itself is symbolised by a white 12-pointed star. The twelve points on the star represent the island's twelve original tribes.[1] The following twelve tribes are:[4]

  • Deiboe
  • Eamwidara
  • Eamwit
  • Eamwitmwit
  • Eano
  • Eaoru
  • Emangum
  • Emea
  • Irutsi
  • Iruwa
  • Iwi
  • Ranibok

The blue signifies the Pacific Ocean,[1] while the white colour of the star represents phosphate,[3] a former major natural resource of the country.

Construction Sheet
  • Flag construction sheet
    Flag construction sheet

Creation and adoption

The flag was created by a resident employed by the Australian flag manufacturer Evans. It was officially adopted on 31 January 1968. Unlike some flags of Pacific nations (e.g., that of Tuvalu), Nauru's flag has evoked little controversy.

Other flags of Nauru
FlagDateUseDescription
1969–presentFlag of the Nauru Pacific Linea blue field with a large white twelve-pointed star in the center with an anchor inside the star.[5]
1924Proposal flag for Naurua white field with a blue field with 15 five-pointed stars in the canton.[6]

Historical flags of Nauru
FlagDateUseDescription
1888–1914When Germany took control of the island in 1888, it was administered under German New Guinea, with the flag of the German New Guinea Company being flown in the island.[3]A white field with the German tricolour on the canton and defaced with a black lion with a red sword.
1919–1948When Nauru was still under the trustee mandate of Australia and the United Kingdom, the Union Jack was flown in the island.[3]A superimposition of the flags of England and Scotland with the Saint Patrick's Saltire (Representing Ireland).
1942–1945Flag of Nauru under the occupation of the Empire of Japan during World War II.[3]A white field with a red disc in the center.
1948–1968Flag of Nauru used during Trusteeship with Australia and the United Kingdom.[3]A Blue Ensign defaced with the seven-point Commonwealth Star in the lower hoist quarter and the five stars of the Southern Cross in the fly half.
1968–presentCurrent flag of Nauru adopted on 31 January 1968 following its independence from the trusteeship.[3]A blue field with the thin yellow narrow horizontal stripe across in the center and the large white twelve-pointed star on the bottom of the stripe and near the hoist-side.

See also

References
  1. "The Nauruan Flag". Government of the Republic of Nauru. Retrieved 11 January 2018.
  2. "Nauru". Flag of the World. Retrieved 25 May 2021.
  3. "Flag of Nauru - A Brief History" (PDF). Flagmakers. Retrieved 11 January 2018.
  4. "Tribes of Nauru". Government of the Republic of Nauru. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
  5. "Nauru Shipping Companies". www.fotw.info. Retrieved 17 November 2022.
  6. "Nauru Historical Flags". www.fotw.info. Retrieved 17 November 2022.


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