The Flag of Kiribati: Decoding the Rising Sun and Frigatebird

A common question about the flag of Kiribati concerns the number of rays on its sun. The answer is straightforward: there are no distinct rays on the sun in the Kiribati flag. Instead, the flag features a golden rising sun depicted as a solid semi-circle (or full circle rising from the horizon) with no radiating lines, positioned above a gold frigatebird in flight.

Flag Description

The flag, adopted on July 12, 1979, upon independence, consists of:

• Red field (upper half)
• Blue and white wavy bands (lower half) representing the Pacific Ocean
• Gold frigatebird (Fregata minor) flying toward the hoist side
• Gold rising sun with 17 rays? Wait—no rays. The sun is a simple golden disc/semi-circle. Some artistic renderings may show subtle rays, but the official design (as per the Kiribati Flag Act 1989) describes a "rising sun" without specifying rays. The bird and sun are centered vertically.

Symbolism

• Frigatebird: Represents power, freedom, and the nation's connection to the ocean and sky. It's also a traditional navigation aid for fishermen.
• Rising Sun: Symbolizes the new nation's dawn, its position on the equator, and the tropical climate.
• Blue and White Waves: The Pacific Ocean surrounding the 33 atolls and reef islands.
• Red: The blood shed for independence and the warmth of the people.

Common Misconception

The confusion about "rays" likely arises from the flags of other Pacific nations (e.g., Philippines has a sun with 8 rays; Argentina and Uruguay have suns with many rays; Kazakhstan has a sun with 32 rays). Kiribati's sun is intentionally ray-less, a clean, bold disc representing the equatorial sun.

Design Origin

The flag is based on the coat of arms granted in 1937 to the then Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony. The design was adapted for the independent Republic of Kiribati by Sir Arthur Grimble.