Samoa

3×5' nylon national flag of Samoa.

In 1962 Samoa became the first Pacific island nation to regain independence in the twentieth century, and it did so under this flag: the Southern Cross on blue, set in a field of red.

Design

A red field with a blue canton bearing five white stars of the Southern Cross, one smaller than the rest.

History & Symbolism

A flag with four stars was introduced in 1948 under New Zealand administration; the fifth, smaller star was added on 24 February 1949. Red stands for courage, blue for freedom, and white for purity. The Southern Cross marks Samoa's place in the South Pacific.

Flag Specifications

• Adopted: 24 February 1949
• Official proportions: 1:2
• Colors: red, blue, white
• Emblem: the Southern Cross

Vexillographer's Note

Samoa's canton is one quarter of the flag. Do not confuse it with Taiwan's, which has a white sun in a blue canton on red.

Humphrys Flag Company · Old City Philadelphia · Est. 1864