The flag of the Northern Mariana Islands consists of a light blue field with a narrow, white-bordered red horizontal stripe in the upper half and a larger white star superimposed on the stripe towards the hoist side. The flag's design reflects the unique cultural and geographical aspects of the Northern Mariana Islands, an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the western Pacific Ocean.
The light blue background of the flag represents the sky and the surrounding ocean, symbolizing the island chain's location in the vast expanse of the Pacific. The color choice also reflects the tranquility and peacefulness of the region. It offers a calming effect to the viewer and serves as a reminder of the islands' natural beauty.
Play our free game to learn the flags of the world
Dominating the top half of the flag is a striking red horizontal stripe that runs from one end of the hoist side to the other. This bold stripe represents the courage, resilience, and determination of the people of the Northern Mariana Islands. It serves as a visual representation of their struggle for self-governance and their enduring spirit in overcoming challenges.
Superimposed on the red stripe towards the hoist side is a large white star. This star consists of five points, each representing one of the five main islands that make up the Northern Mariana Islands: Saipan, Tinian, Rota, Pagan, and Agrihan. The star is a symbol of unity, highlighting the collective identity of the islands and their people. It signifies their shared history, culture, and aspirations.
The star's position towards the hoist side of the flag conveys a sense of direction, with the islands looking towards a bright future while rooted in their rich heritage. It also emphasizes the importance of the islands' geographic location and their role as a gateway between Asia and the Americas.
The flag was officially adopted on July 1, 1985, following a design competition held by the Northern Mariana Islands government. Residents and artists were invited to submit their ideas for a new flag that would reflect the unique identity of the territory. The winning design, created by a local artist named Taga Fiailoa, was chosen from over 200 entries.
The current flag replaced the previous flag used by the Northern Mariana Islands, which featured a similar light blue background but had a different design. The former flag displayed an outline of the islands in yellow and a white sea turtle swimming in the lower hoist-side quadrant. The change in design aimed to create a more distinct and representative symbol for the territory.
The flag of the Northern Mariana Islands carries deep symbolism and meaning for its people. It is more than just a piece of cloth; it embodies their history, culture, and aspirations. Through its design, it captures the essence of the islands' natural beauty, their struggle for self-governance, and their unity as a diverse community. The flag stands as a proud representation of the Northern Mariana Islands and serves as a source of inspiration and identity for its residents.
Play our free game to learn the flags of the world