Flag of Christmas Island

Since 26 January 2002, the flag used since 1986 is the official flag of Christmas Island. Previously, only the official flag of Australia in use.

Description and significance

The green and the blue triangle represent the vegetation of the island and the sea surrounding the island. The Southern Cross shows the membership of Australia. The bird on the flag is a white -tailed Tropicbird ( Phaethon lepturus fulvus), which lives only on this island. The golden disc represents the history of phosphate mining and contains a green map of the island.

History

On April 14, 1986, the current flag was presented as the winner of a competition from 69 proposals. Tony Couch from Sydney, who had designed the flag, received 100 Australian dollars as victories premium. An official status was given the flag but could not be, even if it was used on the island ever since. It was not until 2002, the flag was adopted as the official flag of the territory.