Papua New Guinea

3×5' nylon national flag of Papua New Guinea.

Papua New Guinea's flag was designed by a fifteen-year-old schoolgirl, Susan Karike, whose entry won a national competition in 1971. It remains one of the most striking national flags in the world.

Design

Divided diagonally from the upper hoist to the lower fly. The upper fly is red with a gold raggiana bird of paradise; the lower hoist is black with the Southern Cross in five white stars.

History & Symbolism

The flag was adopted on 1 July 1971 and kept at independence from Australia in 1975. Red and black are traditional colors in the art of many of the country's peoples. The bird of paradise stands for the nation's emergence, and the Southern Cross for its place in the South Pacific and its ties to Australia.

Flag Specifications

• Adopted: 1 July 1971
• Official proportions: 3:4
• Colors: red, black, gold, white
• Emblem: bird of paradise and Southern Cross

Vexillographer's Note

The bird of paradise is drawn in silhouette, with its long tail plumes flowing toward the lower fly. It is among the most intricate figures on any national flag.

Humphrys Flag Company · Old City Philadelphia · Est. 1864