Flag and History

The flag was created in 1971 and uses the traditional colors of PNG (red, yellow and black). The bird in the top corner is the “Kumal” Bird of Paradise, whose plumes are often used as ceremonial decoration. The stars represent the Southern Cross, a well-known constellation seen in the skies of the Southern Hemisphere. The bird soars above the stars symbolizing PNG’s emergence towards nationhood.

History: Divided between Germany (north) and UK (south) in 1885. Australia occupied the Northern portion during World War I. The latter was transferred to Australia in 1902. Australia continued to govern the combined area until PNG declared its independence in 1975.