Palau Flag Meaning
A light blue field with a golden-yellow full moon slightly off-center toward the hoist. The flag symbolizes independence, culture, and natural harmony.
- Continent
- Oceania
- Adopted
- 1981
- Ratio
- 5:8
- Colors
- blue, yellow
- Designer
- Blai Mallol
Symbolism
Blue Field: Represents the Pacific Ocean that surrounds the islands and the freedom gained after independence.
Yellow Full Moon: Symbolizes peace, love, and the full moon’s importance in Palauan culture as a time for planting, fishing, and celebrations.
History
- Pre-Colonial: Palau was inhabited by Micronesian peoples with rich cultural traditions.
- 1885: Came under Spanish control, later sold to Germany.
- 1914: Japan occupied Palau during World War I.
- 1947: Placed under U.S. administration as part of the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.
- 1981: Palau adopted its national flag after gaining self-government.
- 1994: Achieved full independence, becoming one of the world’s youngest nations.
Trivia
- The moon, not the sun, is chosen for the flag because of its deep cultural meaning in Palauan tradition.
- Palau’s flag design emphasizes simplicity and identity separate from its former trustees.
- It is often mistaken for a 'sun' flag but officially represents the full moon.
- Palau is known for pristine marine environments and world-class diving spots.
- The flag’s blue symbolizes not only the ocean but also the transition to independence.
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