Flag of Marshall Islands

Facts about the Flag of Marshall Islands

1. The star has twenty-four points, four of them longer than the rest, marking the main cultural centres of the islands.
2. The rising diagonal band represents the equator, with the star placed above it to show the islands lie to the north.
3. The flag was designed by Emlain Kabua, the wife of the first president, and adopted at independence in 1979.
4. The flag of Marshall Islands was officially adopted on May 1, 1979. It was designed by Emlain Kabua.
5. The flag in its present form is 47 years old as of 2026.
6. Design type: Blue field with orange and white diagonal bands and a large star.
7. The official proportions are 10:19. It shares that ratio with 3 national flags.
8. The flag uses 3 colours: blue, white and orange.
9. The blue on the flag stands for the Pacific Ocean.
10. The white on the flag stands for the Ratak, or sunrise, island chain, and peace.
11. The orange on the flag stands for the Ralik, or sunset, chain, and courage.
12. 24-pointed star: The 24 electoral districts; the four longer rays form a cross for the Christian faith.
13. Widening bands: The equator, with the islands lying just above it, and the growth of the nation.
14. The design belongs to the "Diagonal stripes with an emblem" family, shared with 1 other flag in this reference.
15. Marshall Islands became independent on 21 October 1986 from the United States, which administered the islands under a United Nations trusteeship.
16. Basketball is the most popular sport.
17. The national anthem is "Forever Marshall Islands".
18. The flag is flown everywhere on 1 May, Constitution Day.