Flag of Tuvalu

Tuvalu's flag features a light blue field defaced with the Union Flag in the upper hoist quarter. Nine yellow five-pointed stars are positioned in the fly, representing the nine islands that comprise the nation. The stars are arranged in a pattern loosely reflecting the geographical layout of the islands.

The light blue field of the flag represents the Pacific Ocean, which surrounds Tuvalu's islands. The Union Flag acknowledges Tuvalu's historical ties as a former British protectorate. Each of the nine yellow stars symbolizes one of the nine islands of Tuvalu, representing the unity and identity of the nation and its people.

The current flag of Tuvalu was officially adopted in 1997. Prior to this, Tuvalu had used a similar flag with the same basic design since its independence in 1978, but it contained all nine stars in a more geographically accurate layout. A brief period in 1995-1997 saw the adoption of a new flag without the Union Flag, but this was quickly abandoned due to public sentiment.