Marshall Islands Flag

The diagonal stripes represent the archipelago’s two island chains: orange for the eastern Ratak ('sunrise') chain and white for the western Ralik ('sunset') chain, while suggesting the equator’s orientation. The 24-pointed star denotes each legislative district; the four longer rays symbolize Majuro, Jaluit, Wotje and Ebeye, the principal cultural centers.

Designed by Emlain Kabua, the Marshall Islands’ first First Lady, this flag was adopted on 1 May 1979 as self-government began. It replaced earlier Trust Territory symbols and officially entered national use under the 1979 Flag Act. It was later reaffirmed in law.

A rectangular flag in 10:19 proportion, with a blue field interrupted by an orange stripe below a white one, both emanating from the lower hoist. In the upper hoist, a white star has 24 rays—four long ones and twenty short—for clarity and symbolism. Colour specifications in RGB/CMYK ensure uniform appearance.

Under national flag law, the flag is displayed at government offices, schools, and legislative buildings. It is raised at sunrise, lowered at sunset, and flown at half‑mast during mourning. The flag act enforces respectful use and requires replacement of damaged flags.