Flag of Nauru

The flag of Nauru was officially adopted on January 31, 1968, when the country gained independence from Australia. The flag consists of a solid blue field with a yellow narrow horizontal stripe running exactly in the middle and a white star with 12 rays.

Meaning of the flag of Nauru

• The blue color symbolizes the Pacific Ocean, which surrounds the island. Vexillologically, blue is associated with peace, stability and endless space;
• The yellow horizontal stripe represents the equator, emphasizing the geographical location of Nauru, i.e. south of the equator. The yellow color also symbolizes the sun, light and life energy;
• The white 12-pointed star symbolizes purity and peace, and each of its rays represents a traditional tribe inhabiting the island: Eamwit, Eamwitmwit, Eaoru, Eamwidara, Iruwa, Eano, Iwi (extinct), Irutsi (extinct), Deiboe, Ranibok, Emea, Emangum.

History of the flag of Nauru

Between 1888 and 1914, Germany established control over Nauru and the island became part of the colony of German New Guinea. The island attracted German interest with its phosphate deposits, which later became a key resource for agriculture. The German New Guinea Company (Deutsche Neuguinea-Kompagnie) was responsible for administrative and economic matters until the outbreak of World War I, when it lost control of Nauru.

The flag of that time was white and consisted of two parts:

• Left side of the flag: three horizontal stripes - black, white and red. These colors represent the traditional imperial German colors;
• The right side of the flag depicts a black lion holding a red heraldic lily. The lion symbolizes the strength and power of the state, and the lily, which is called "Fleur-de-lis" in heraldry, is used as a symbol of nobility, purity and royalty. The lily dates back to ancient times and is associated with the French monarchy, but it also appears on the coats of arms of other European countries.

After Germany's defeat in World War I, under the terms of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, Nauru came under the administration of the League of Nations. The island's administration was transferred to the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. The island was under their joint administration, although Australia was actually in charge. During this period, the British flag, known as the Union Jack, was raised on the island, a traditional flag consisting of a combination of the crosses of St. George (England), St. Andrew (Scotland), and St. Patrick (Ireland).

In August 1942, Japanese troops invaded Nauru. The purpose of the occupation was to establish control over the Southwest Pacific, so the Japanese used Nauru as a military base: a territory for the construction of an airfield and other military facilities. Many local residents were deported to other Japanese-occupied territories, including the Chuuk Islands (Caroline Islands), where many of them died. During this period, Nauru was constantly attacked by Allied aircraft, including bombing by American and Australian planes. These attacks were aimed at destroying Japanese military installations. The occupation ended in August 1945 after the Japanese surrender at the end of World War II. Australian troops regained control of the island. During the Japanese occupation, the island used a Japanese white flag with a red sun disk in the middle, known as the "Nisshoki" (日章旗), or more commonly as the "Hinomaru" (日の丸).

After the end of World War II and the end of the Japanese occupation in 1945, the island of Nauru returned to the control of the Allies, particularly Australia and the United Kingdom, who administered the island on behalf of the United Nations. In 1947, the UN established the International Trusteeship Supervisory Board for Nauru. Australia actually administered the island on behalf of the three countries, but all key decisions were made jointly. 

After the war, the island began the process of rebuilding its infrastructure and phosphate industry. Australia resumed phosphate production at full capacity, which provided the main income for the island. At the same time, work continued on the return of Nauruans deported to the Caroline Islands during the war. New schools, medical facilities, and other social services were opened on the island. In the 1960s, sentiment for national self-determination grew, and Nauru's political leaders began to actively advocate for self-government and a path to independence. Until 1968, the flag of Nauru was the Australian flag, viz: Union Jack in the canton, the Commonwealth star and the Southern Cross constellation on a blue background.

In 1968, after many years of foreign tutelage and occupation, Nauruans finally gained full control over their land and resources. In addition, Nauru gained the right to its own symbol of identity - the national flag, which was the result of a joint effort by opinion leaders and designers. 
It is still used in the form in which it was created in 1968, namely, a dark blue cloth with a horizontal yellow stripe and a 12-pointed star below it on the left side of the flag. The navy blue color symbolizes the Pacific Ocean, the yellow stripe the equator, and the twelve rays of the star the 12 tribes from which the population of Nauru comes.