Tonga

3×5' nylon national flag of Tonga.

Tonga's flag is protected by its constitution. The Constitution of 1875 declares that the flag shall never be altered, making it one of the most legally secure national flags in the world.

Design

A red field with a white canton bearing a red cross.

History & Symbolism

King George Tupou I wanted a flag that showed Tonga's Christian faith. The design was confirmed in the constitution of 4 November 1875. The cross stands for Christianity, and the red for the blood of Christ.

Flag Specifications

• Adopted: 4 November 1875
• Official proportions: 1:2
• Colors: red, white
• Emblem: red cross

Vexillographer's Note

An earlier version, a white flag with a red cross, was dropped because it looked too much like the Red Cross flag. Moving the cross into a canton solved the problem.

Humphrys Flag Company · Old City Philadelphia · Est. 1864