Kiribati

The National Flag of Kiribati 🇰🇮

The national flag of Kiribati is a symbol of the island nation’s identity, culture, and heritage. Known for its distinctive and vibrant design, the flag of Kiribati features a red field with a golden frigate bird flying over a rising sun, above three horizontal wavy stripes of white and blue. Each element of the flag reflects significant aspects of Kiribati’s geography, natural resources, and history.

Kiribati Flag Clip Art Images, Backgrounds, and Wallpapers

Free Download of the Kiribati Flag Image

To download an image of the Kiribati flag, right-click on the image and select “Save image as…” on a desktop or laptop. On a mobile device, press and hold on the image, then select “Download image” or “Save image” from the options that appear.

For Apple (iPhone/iPad):

• Press and hold the image.
• A menu will appear; tap “Add to Photos” or “Save Image.”

For Android:

• Press and hold the image.
• From the menu that appears, choose “Download image” or “Save image.”

This will save the image to your device’s photo gallery or downloads folder.

Design and Colors of the Kiribati Flag

The Kiribati flag features a design that is deeply symbolic and representative of the nation:

• Red Field: The red background represents the bravery of the Kiribati people.
• Frigate Bird: The golden frigate bird symbolizes freedom, strength, and the people of Kiribati, who are known for their seafaring heritage.
• Rising Sun: The sun with seventeen rays signifies the position of Kiribati along the Equator and its 16 Gilbert Islands plus Banaba Island.
• Wavy Stripes: The three white and blue stripes represent the Pacific Ocean and the three main island groups: the Gilbert Islands, the Phoenix Islands, and the Line Islands.

The Origins and Design of the Kiribati Flag

The flag of Kiribati was officially adopted on July 12, 1979, following the country’s independence from British rule. The design was inspired by the colonial badge used during the British colonial era, and it continues to be a powerful symbol of national pride and independence for the people of Kiribati.

The Birth of a National Symbol

The original design of the Kiribati flag was influenced by the coat of arms granted during British colonial times, which featured similar elements of the sun, sea, and frigate bird. After gaining independence, the design was adapted into the national flag to reflect the unique identity and heritage of Kiribati.

Evolution of the Flag’s Symbolism

The symbolism of the Kiribati flag is closely tied to the nation’s geography and cultural heritage:

• Frigate Bird: Represents freedom and the navigational skills of the Kiribati people, highlighting their connection to the ocean.
• Sun and Stripes: Symbolize the equatorial location of Kiribati and the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean surrounding the islands.

The Central Design Elements

The central design elements of the Kiribati flag include the golden frigate bird, the rising sun, and the wavy ocean stripes, all set against a vibrant red background, representing the essence of the nation’s spirit and its maritime culture.

Adoption and Official Recognition

The current design of the Kiribati flag was officially adopted on July 12, 1979. Since then, it has become a key national symbol, celebrated during national holidays and important cultural events. The flag is also protected under the national laws of Kiribati, which outline specific guidelines for its respectful display and handling.

The Flag in Modern Kiribati Identity

Today, the Kiribati flag is a proud emblem of national identity and unity. It is displayed prominently during national celebrations, including Independence Day on July 12, and other significant events. The flag serves as a constant reminder of the nation’s resilience, rich heritage, and commitment to preserving its unique cultural and environmental legacy.

The Significance of the Kiribati Flag

The flag of Kiribati holds a special place in the hearts of its citizens, symbolizing the island nation’s vibrant culture, deep-rooted history, and unity. Displaying the Kiribati flag is an act of patriotism, respect, and pride, and it is flown on designated days that hold special meaning for the nation.

When the Flag of Kiribati Can Be Displayed

The flag of Kiribati may be displayed on any day, but there are specific guidelines for its presentation. The flag should always be treated with the utmost respect, never touching the ground, and should be handled with care. It can be flown on government buildings, in schools, at cultural institutions, and during official ceremonies. Citizens are also encouraged to display the flag at their homes during national holidays and important commemorations.

Flag Days and National Holidays

In Kiribati, there are several official flag days and national holidays when the flag is prominently displayed:

• July 12 – Independence Day: This day marks the country’s independence from British rule in 1979. The flag is central to the celebrations, which include parades, traditional dances, and cultural performances.
• National Cultural Day: A day dedicated to celebrating the cultural heritage of Kiribati, where the flag is prominently displayed during various cultural events and activities.

Love for the Flag and Patriotism

The Kiribati flag is more than a national symbol; it represents the pride and love that the people of Kiribati have for their country. Its design, featuring the sun, sea, and frigate bird, captures the essence of the island nation’s identity and its deep connection to the Pacific Ocean. The flag is a visible expression of national pride, displayed with honor and reverence by citizens during important national events and celebrations.

Kiribati Flag Emoji Codes

1. Unicode Code Points

• Unicode: U+1F1F0 U+1F1EE
• UTF-16: D83C DDF0 D83C DDEE

2. HTML Entities

• HTML Entity (Decimal): 🇰🇮
• HTML Entity (Hexadecimal): 🇰🇮

3. CSS

content: "\1F1F0\1F1EE";

4. JavaScript (JSON) & Java

// JavaScript Example
const kiribatiFlag = "\uD83C\uDDF0\uD83C\uDDEE";

// Java Example
String kiribatiFlag = "\uD83C\uDDF0\uD83C\uDDEE";

5. PHP & Ruby

// PHP Example
$kiribatiFlag = "\u{1F1F0}\u{1F1EE}";

// Ruby Example
kiribati_flag = "\u{1F1F0}\u{1F1EE}"

6. Perl

my $kiribatiFlag = "\x{1F1F0}\x{1F1EE}";

7. Python

kiribati_flag = "\U0001F1F0\U0001F1EE"

8. C#

string kiribatiFlag = "\uD83C\uDDF0\uD83C\uDDEE";

9. Swift

let kiribatiFlag = "\u{1F1F0}\u{1F1EE}"

10. Objective-C

NSString *kiribatiFlag = @"\U0001F1F0\U0001F1EE";

11. JSON

{
  "kiribatiFlag": "\uD83C\uDDF0\uD83C\uDDEE"
}

12. SQL

INSERT INTO table_name (column_name) VALUES ('\uD83C\uDDF0\uD83C\uDDEE');

13. Shell Scripting (Bash)

kiribati_flag=$'\U1F1F0\U1F1EE'

14. Go (Golang)

kiribatiFlag := "\U0001F1F0\U0001F1EE"

15. Kotlin

val kiribatiFlag = "\uD83C\uDDF0\uD83C\uDDEE"

About Kiribati

Geography and Topography

Location and Geography

Kiribati is located in the central Pacific Ocean, consisting of 33 atolls and reef islands spread across an area of approximately 3.5 million square kilometers. Its unique geography includes:

• Low-lying coral atolls, with most land barely above sea level
• Scattered islands, divided into three main groups: the Gilbert Islands, Phoenix Islands, and Line Islands
• Large ocean territories, with significant marine resources
• Vast stretches of coral reefs and lagoons, home to rich biodiversity

Kiribati Map

Area and Population

Kiribati covers a land area of approximately 811 square kilometers, with a population of around 120,000 people as of 2023. Most of the population resides on the atoll of Tarawa, which is also the country’s capital.

Demographics and Ethnic Composition

Kiribati’s population is primarily of Micronesian descent. The ethnic composition includes:

• Indigenous I-Kiribati: making up the vast majority of the population
• Small numbers of other Pacific Islanders and expatriates

Name and History

Origin of the Name “Kiribati”

The name “Kiribati” is the local pronunciation of “Gilberts,” after the Gilbert Islands, which are the country’s main group of islands. The name was adopted when Kiribati gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1979.

History

Kiribati has a rich history that spans thousands of years, with the I-Kiribati people being expert navigators and fishermen. Key historical events include:

• Colonial rule by the British from the late 19th century
• The Japanese occupation during World War II, followed by key battles, such as the Battle of Tarawa
• Independence from the UK in 1979, becoming the Republic of Kiribati

Government and Politics

Capital

South Tarawa is the capital of Kiribati. It is located on an atoll in the Gilbert Islands and serves as the political and economic hub of the country.

Government and Politics

Kiribati operates as a presidential republic with a unicameral legislature. The President, known as “Beretitenti,” is both the head of state and government. The country has a multi-party system, with elections held every four years.

Values and Culture

Core values in Kiribati include community, respect for elders, and close family ties. The culture is deeply connected to the land and sea, with traditional customs still playing a vital role in daily life.

Religion

Christianity is the predominant religion in Kiribati, with the majority of the population belonging to the Roman Catholic Church and the Kiribati Protestant Church. Other Christian denominations, such as Mormons and Seventh-day Adventists, also have followers.

Holidays

Major public holidays in Kiribati include:

• Independence Day on July 12
• Christmas Day on December 25
• New Year’s Day on January 1
• National Youth Day, celebrated with traditional performances and sports

Demographics and Society

Language

The official languages of Kiribati are English and Gilbertese (I-Kiribati). While English is used in government and education, most daily conversations take place in Gilbertese.

Society and Sports

Kiribati is a tight-knit society where community life is highly valued. Sports, especially traditional games like te anene (a form of wrestling) and modern sports like soccer and volleyball, are popular across the islands.

Safety

Kiribati is generally considered a safe destination with a low crime rate. The local culture emphasizes hospitality and community care. However, like any destination, visitors should be aware of their surroundings.

Economy and Currency

Economy

Kiribati’s economy is heavily reliant on fishing, especially tuna exports, which are its largest source of revenue. Other important sectors include:

• Agriculture, primarily copra (dried coconut meat)
• Tourism, focused on eco-tourism and adventure travel
• Remittances from overseas workers, especially seafarers

Kiribati’s economy also benefits from international aid and its sovereign wealth fund, the Revenue Equalization Reserve Fund (RERF).

Currency

The official currency of Kiribati is the Australian Dollar (AUD).

Culture and Arts

Culture and Arts

Kiribati’s culture is deeply rooted in its Micronesian heritage. Traditional dance, known as te mwaie, is a key cultural expression, often performed during celebrations and festivals. Handicrafts, including mats and baskets made from pandanus leaves, are also significant.

Cuisine

Kiribati cuisine is simple but nutritious, with staples including:

• Fish, particularly tuna, which is abundant in the surrounding waters
• Coconut, used in many dishes and beverages
• Breadfruit and taro, traditional starches

Imported foods, such as rice and canned goods, also play a significant role in the modern diet.

National Anthem

The national anthem of Kiribati is “Teirake Kaini Kiribati,” meaning “Stand Up, Kiribati.” It is sung during national events and symbolizes the pride and unity of the I-Kiribati people.

Infrastructure and Transportation

Transportation

Kiribati’s transportation network is limited due to its dispersed geography. Most domestic travel is done by small boats or planes, with the main international airport located on South Tarawa. The roads in urban areas are generally unpaved.

Time Zone

Kiribati spans three time zones, the most significant being UTC+12, UTC+13, and UTC+14, with the country being one of the first to experience the new day.

Web and Phone Code

Kiribati’s internet country code is “.ki,” and its international dialing code is +686.

Kiribati: Things to See and Do

Kiribati offers unique experiences for those looking to explore its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Here are some of the top things to see and do in Kiribati:

Explore National Heritage Sites

Kiribati is rich in cultural and historical landmarks:

• World War II Sites: Visit relics and memorials on Tarawa, including the remains of bunkers and tanks from the Battle of Tarawa.
• Kiribati National Cultural Centre: Learn about the I-Kiribati way of life, traditional crafts, and dances.

Enjoy Beautiful Beaches

Kiribati’s beaches are pristine and remote, offering solitude and natural beauty.

• Fanning Island: Known for its untouched beaches and vibrant coral reefs, ideal for snorkeling and diving.
• Abaiang Atoll: Offers beautiful lagoons and a relaxed atmosphere for swimming and picnicking.

Savor the Cuisine

Kiribati’s traditional food is a highlight for many visitors. Must-try dishes include:

• Te Bua Toro Ni Baukin: A dish made of taro leaves cooked in coconut cream.
• Fresh Tuna: Grilled or served raw as sashimi, reflecting the country’s fishing culture.

Participate in Cultural Festivals

Experience Kiribati’s vibrant cultural life by attending local festivals.

• Independence Day: Celebrated in July with traditional performances, sports, and feasting.
• National Day of Youth: A lively event showcasing traditional dance, music, and sports competitions.