Northern Mariana Islands

3×5' nylon flag of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

At the center of this flag stands a latte stone, the stone pillar and capstone on which the ancient Chamorro people built their houses, and a lasting symbol of Chamorro and Carolinian heritage.

Design

A blue field with a gray latte stone behind a large white five-pointed star, encircled by a mwarmwar, a traditional Carolinian head wreath of flowers and leaves.

History & Symbolism

The islands became a US commonwealth under a covenant approved in 1975 and in effect from 1978. The blue field stands for the Pacific Ocean, the star for the Commonwealth, and the latte stone for the islands' Chamorro culture. The mwarmwar wreath, added to the flag in a later revision, honors the Carolinian people.

Flag Specifications

• Colors: blue, white, gray, with a multicolored wreath
• Emblem: latte stone, star and mwarmwar

Vexillographer's Note

Latte stones are found across the Mariana Islands, including Guam, and appear on many local emblems. This flag is one of the few in the world to feature an architectural element.

Humphrys Flag Company · Old City Philadelphia · Est. 1864