The flag of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific was adopted at the time of self-governance in 1979. The star's 24 points represent the number of electoral districts while the four elongated points represent the principal cultural centers of Majuro, Jaluit, Wotje and Ebeye.
The Marshall Islands were settled initially around the beginning of the Christian era by Micronesians who may have been influenced by early Polynesian (Lapita) culture. Radiocarbon dates from earth-oven charcoal samples that were excavated in Laura village on Majuro yielded dates of about 30 BCE and 50 CE. The early Marshall Islanders were skilled navigators and made long canoe voyages among the atolls.
While western Micronesia was probably settled by peoples from the Philippines or Indonesia about 1500 B.C., it is believed that eastern Micronesia including the Marshall Islands was settled by Melanesians at about the same time and possibly by peoples from western Micronesia at about the beginning of the Christian era. Relics found on Majuro have yielded carbon dates of 30 B.C. and A.D. 50. Early Micronesians were skilled navigators who made long canoe journeys among the atolls.
In 1874, the Spanish sovereignty was recognized by the international community. They were sold to Germany in 1884 through papal mediation. A German trading company settled on the islands in 1885. They became part of the protectorate of German New Guinea some years later. In 1914, Japan joined the Entente powers during World War I, and found it possible to capture German colonies in China and Micronesia. Unlike the German Empire, which had economic interests primarily in Micronesia, the accession of the territory to Japan resulted in the migration of over 1,000 Japanese to the Marshall Islands.
The four longer points in the star represent the capital of Majuro, and the three subcenters, Ebeye (Kwajalein), Jaluit, and Wotje. These points also form a cross signifying the importance of Christianity in the Marshalls.
The expanding width of the stripes represents growth and vitality of the country. The star represents each of the 24 municipalities of the Marshall Islands. The four longer points represent the capital city of Majuro, and the administrative districts of Kwajalein, Wotji, and Jaluit. The longer points also form a cross and symbolize the Christian faith of the country. The Flag Company Inc specialized in flag designs offered a special edition of decals and flags to memorize the history of Marshall Islands Flag for the future.
The Marshall Islands were settled initially around the beginning of the Christian era by Micronesians who may have been influenced by early Polynesian (Lapita) culture. Radiocarbon dates from earth-oven charcoal samples that were excavated in Laura village on Majuro yielded dates of about 30 BCE and 50 CE. The early Marshall Islanders were skilled navigators and made long canoe voyages among the atolls.
While western Micronesia was probably settled by peoples from the Philippines or Indonesia about 1500 B.C., it is believed that eastern Micronesia including the Marshall Islands was settled by Melanesians at about the same time and possibly by peoples from western Micronesia at about the beginning of the Christian era. Relics found on Majuro have yielded carbon dates of 30 B.C. and A.D. 50. Early Micronesians were skilled navigators who made long canoe journeys among the atolls.
In 1874, the Spanish sovereignty was recognized by the international community. They were sold to Germany in 1884 through papal mediation. A German trading company settled on the islands in 1885. They became part of the protectorate of German New Guinea some years later. In 1914, Japan joined the Entente powers during World War I, and found it possible to capture German colonies in China and Micronesia. Unlike the German Empire, which had economic interests primarily in Micronesia, the accession of the territory to Japan resulted in the migration of over 1,000 Japanese to the Marshall Islands.
The four longer points in the star represent the capital of Majuro, and the three subcenters, Ebeye (Kwajalein), Jaluit, and Wotje. These points also form a cross signifying the importance of Christianity in the Marshalls.
The expanding width of the stripes represents growth and vitality of the country. The star represents each of the 24 municipalities of the Marshall Islands. The four longer points represent the capital city of Majuro, and the administrative districts of Kwajalein, Wotji, and Jaluit. The longer points also form a cross and symbolize the Christian faith of the country. The Flag Company Inc specialized in flag designs offered a special edition of decals and flags to memorize the history of Marshall Islands Flag for the future.