Flag of the Northern Mariana Islands
The Northern Mariana Islands flag is a deep blue field with a white star standing on a grey latte stone, surrounded by a wreath of local flowers. The star, the stone and the wreath each recall a different part of the islands' identity.
What the flag of the Northern Mariana Islands looks like
The flag has a plain blue background with a 1:2 ratio. In the center is a white five-pointed star, which stands on top of a grey latte stone. The stone is a tall pillar with a rounded capstone at the top. Around the stone and star is a wreath of flowers and leaves, worn in the traditional way as a headband (a mwarmwar in Carolinian).
The flowers are native to the islands and are usually named as the plumeria, ylang-ylang, Pacific basil and the peacock flower. The wreath is drawn in several colors, so it stands out against the blue.
Northern Mariana Islands flag colors
Color codes measured from the official design. Use HEX for the web and CMYK for print.
HEX
#0033A1RGB
0, 51, 161CMYK
100, 68, 0, 37 HEX
#FEFEFFRGB
254, 254, 255CMYK
0, 0, 0, 0 HEX
#B1B4B3RGB
177, 180, 179CMYK
2, 0, 1, 29 HEX
#DBDCDBRGB
219, 220, 219CMYK
0, 0, 0, 14 Northern Mariana Islands flag meaning and symbolism
The commonly cited meanings are:
- The blue field for the Pacific Ocean, which surrounds the islands.
- The white star for the United States, to which the islands are linked as a commonwealth.
- The latte stone for the ancient Chamorro people. Latte stones were the pillars that held up the houses of the ancient Chamorro, and they remain a symbol of the culture's strength.
- The wreath for the Carolinian people and for the islands' natural beauty, since similar garlands are a part of Carolinian custom.
History of the Northern Mariana Islands flag
The islands were colonies of Spain, Germany and then Japan before being taken by the United States in the Second World War. From 1947 they were part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, administered by the United States under the United Nations. In the 1970s the people of the Northern Marianas chose a closer link to the United States and not independence.
The commonwealth covenant with the United States was approved by voters in 1975 and took full effect in 1986, when the trusteeship ended for the islands. A local flag was adopted in the 1970s, and the present design was adopted on 1 July 1985, to be used as the flag of the future commonwealth. The flag of the United States is also flown, as the islands are part of the American political family.
Northern Mariana Islands flag facts
| Country | Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands |
|---|---|
| Flag adopted | July 4, 1989 |
| Proportions | 1:2 |
| Colors | #0033A1, #FEFEFF, #B1B4B3, #DBDCDB |
| Symbols | Cananga odorata, Plumeria, five-pointed star, Holy Basil, Latte stone, Caesalpinia pulcherrima |
| Flag emoji | 🇲🇵 |
| Country code | MP, MNP (ISO 3166) |
| Capital | Saipan |
| Continent | Oceania |
| Population | 47,329 |
| Area | 464 km² |
| Currency | United States dollar |
| National anthem | Gi Talo Gi Halom Tasi |
Northern Mariana Islands flag: frequently asked questions
What does the Northern Mariana Islands flag mean?
The blue is the sea, the white star is the United States, the latte stone is the ancient Chamorro culture and the wreath refers to the Carolinian people.
Which country owns the Northern Mariana Islands?
They are a commonwealth in political union with the United States. Residents are US citizens, but they do not vote for president and have a non-voting delegate in Congress.
Is Saipan a part of the USA?
Yes. Saipan is the largest island and the capital of the Northern Mariana Islands, which is a US territory.
Is Northern Mariana Islands a country?
No. It is a self-governing commonwealth that belongs to the United States, and is not independent.
What language is spoken in the Mariana Islands?
English, Chamorro and Carolinian are all official languages in the Northern Marianas, and other languages such as Tagalog are also spoken.
