Kiribati .ki

Meaning of the Flag

The flag of Kiribati (buraki ni Kiribati) is red in the upper half with a gold frigatebird (Fregata minor, in Gilbertese: te eitei) flying over a gold rising sun (otintaai), and the lower half is blue with three horizontal wavy white stripes to represent the ocean and the three archipelagoes (Gilbert, Phoenix and Line Islands). The 17 rays of the sun represent the 16 Gilbert Islands and Banaba (former Ocean Island). The 17 rays of the sun represent the 16 Gilbert Islands and Banaba (former Ocean Island). The blue and white wavy bands represent the Pacific Ocean, which surrounds Kiribati, and the sun refers to Kiribati's position astride the Equator. The flag is derived from a badge designed by Sir Arthur Grimble in 1931 for the flag of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands British colony and granted in 1937.

Meaning of Flag Colors

The flag of Kiribati is red in the upper half with a gold frigatebird flying over a gold rising sun (otintaai), and the lower half is blue with three horizontal wavy white stripes to represent the ocean and the three archipelagoes.

Flag History

1. 1979
   The new flag was hoisted during the independence day celebrations in the capital, Tarawa, on 12 July 1979.
2. 1951–1957
   

   Flag in use 1951–1957.
3. 1958–1967
   

   Flag in use 1958–1967.
4. 1801
   

   Flag in use 1801.
5. Present
   

   Current national flag.

Location