The national flag of the Republic of Vanuatu flew into the sky for the first time in February 1980, six months before the country's independence.
Description and proportions of the flag of Vanuatu
The rectangular panel of the Vanuatu flag has the classic proportions adopted in many countries around the world. Its length is 5: 3 to width.
The rectangle of the flag is divided into three parts by a yellow figure, repeating the outlines of the letter Y, the short rays of which begin near the corners of the pole, and the long one rests against the middle of the free edge of the Vanuatu flag. The triangle formed by the short rays of the letter Y is black. Around the yellow rays there is a border equal to the rays in width, also black. The top margin of the flag is reddish pink and the bottom margin is medium green. On the black triangle at the shaft, a stylized boar's tusk is painted in yellow, symbolizing the well-being of local residents and serving as a totem. Inside it are crossed fern leaves, signifying peaceful intentions on the islands.
The Vanuatu flag can be used under the laws of the country for all purposes on land. It is allowed to be raised by citizens, officials, and public organizations. The Vanuatu flag is also used by the country's ground forces. On the water, the flag has the right to lift private ships, merchant marine and civilian fleet of Vanuatu. For the navy of the state, a special flag has been developed and applied.
History of the flag of Vanuatu
The islands on which the state of Vanuatu is located have long been the subject of a dispute between France and Great Britain. First, a convention was signed, according to which joint management was proclaimed in the New Hebrides archipelago. The flag of the naval commission, appointed in 1887 to conduct business, looked like a rectangular panel, divided into two equal parts vertically. There was a white field on the left, and a red one on the right. A blue rectangle with five white stars was inscribed in the center of the flag.
In 1906, the political situation changed somewhat, and the French state and British colonial became the flags of the New Hebrides at the same time. This was due to the fact that the islands were declared a joint possession of these European powers.
The Vanuaku party began an active struggle for the country's independence in 1974. The colors of the Vanuaku party flag were red, yellow, black and green. She led the country to independence and its colors remained on the modern flag of sovereign Vanuatu in recognition of the party's merits.
