Flags of Oceania and the Pacific

Explanation: The Southern Cross (5 stars) and the Federation Star (7 points = 6 states + territories). The Union Jack recalls British origins.

Explanation: 4 red stars of the Southern Cross (vs 5 white for Australia). A 2016 referendum kept this flag over the Silver Fern proposal.

Explanation: Australia has 5 white 7-pointed stars + the Federation Star. NZ has 4 red stars with white borders, no additional star.

Explanation: The shield with a lion, a coconut palm, a dove and bananas. Fiji regularly debates removing the Union Jack.

Explanation: The red cross on white in the canton recalls Christianity, very important in Tonga. The red background symbolizes the blood of Christ.

Explanation: One of the first Pacific countries to gain independence (1962). The Southern Cross with 5 stars on blue background with a red canton.

Explanation: The Kumul bird of paradise (national bird) and the Southern Cross. Red and black are traditional colors in Papuan culture.

Explanation: The Y-shaped boar's tusk symbolizes prosperity. Cycas leaves are a sign of peace in Melanesian culture.

Explanation: The golden frigatebird flying over a rising sun above the ocean. Kiribati is the first country to see the sunrise each day.

Explanation: The yellow circle (full moon) slightly off-center on a blue background. Similar to Japan but in blue and yellow instead of white and red.

Explanation: The 9 stars represent the 9 islands of Tuvalu. The Union Jack recalls the colonial past. Threatened by rising sea levels.

Explanation: The golden stripe symbolizes the equator, the 12-pointed white star the 12 original tribes. Smallest island state in the world.

Explanation: The two diagonal orange and white stripes symbolize the two atoll chains (Ralik and Ratak). The 24-pointed star = the districts.

Explanation: The 4 white stars on a blue background represent the 4 states (Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, Kosrae). Recalls the flag of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.

Explanation: The Kumul (Paradisaea raggiana) is the national bird. The male is famous for its spectacular plumage used in traditional ceremonies.