Flags Of Oceania Quiz

The flags of Oceania - The Pacific island region encompassing Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia - Form a fascinating collection that reflects the region's shared histories of British colonial rule, indigenous Pacific cultures, and post-independence nation-building. Several Oceanian flags share the British Blue Ensign as their base - A navy blue field with the Union Jack in the upper left corner - Reflecting the region's colonial history. Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tuvalu, and several other Pacific nations all use or have used the Blue Ensign format.

Oceanian Flag Designs and Symbolism

The flags of Australia and New Zealand are famously similar - Both feature the Union Jack and the Southern Cross constellation (a distinctive group of stars visible from the Southern Hemisphere). The Southern Cross appears on the flags of Australia (5 stars), New Zealand (4 red stars with white borders), Fiji, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, and the Brazilian flag in South America. The New Zealand flag debate (a 2016 referendum) asked citizens whether to replace the flag with an alternative design featuring a silver fern - The proposal was rejected 56.6% to 43.2%. Australia has had similar debates about its flag.

Other Oceanian flags have distinctive designs: Papua New Guinea's flag features a bird of paradise and the Southern Cross on a divided red and black field - One of the most striking in the Pacific. Fiji's flag, unusually for an independent nation, retains the Blue Ensign base with the Fijian coat of arms featuring a British lion and sugarcane. Palau's flag features a gold circle on light blue - Representing the full moon over the Pacific Ocean. Kiribati's flag features a rising sun over the Pacific Ocean with a frigate bird, symbolizing command over the sea. Vanuatu's flag features a boar's tusk (representing prosperity and wealth in Melanesian tradition) and fern leaves. Test your knowledge - Also try our flag quiz and our Oceania quiz.