Flag of Tokelau

What the flag of Tokelau looks like

The flag is a dark blue rectangle with a ratio of 1:2. A yellow Tokelauan canoe sails on the blue field toward four white stars at the hoist. The stars follow the pattern of the Southern Cross constellation.

The flag is unusual for the region in that it has no Union Jack, which sets it apart from the flags of Niue and the Cook Islands. For the emoji version, see the Tokelau flag emoji.

Tokelau flag meaning and symbolism

According to the Tokelauan government, the canoe symbolizes Tokelau's journey towards finding the best governance structure for its people, and the Southern Cross is a navigational aid for that journey.

An earlier proposal for the flag, from 2007, showed four stars that stood for the three main atolls (Atafu, Nukunonu and Fakaofo) and for Swains Island, which is administered by the United States but claimed by Tokelau. In the final design the stars were replaced by the Southern Cross.

History of the Tokelau flag

Britain declared a protectorate over the islands in 1889, and they were annexed to the Gilbert and Ellice Islands in 1916. New Zealand took over administration in 1926, and Tokelau became part of New Zealand on 1 January 1949. Until 2009 the flag of New Zealand was used as the official flag of Tokelau.

In June 2007 the General Fono, Tokelau's national assembly, considered a flag, anthem and national symbol. The flag proposed then showed a stylized canoe and four stars. In May 2008 the General Fono approved a final version that used the Southern Cross, and the flag was approved by the General Fono in February 2009 and by Queen Elizabeth II in August 2009. The governor-general presented it to the Ulu-o-Tokelau on 7 September 2009. Referendums on self-government in free association with New Zealand were held in 2006 and 2007, but did not reach the required two-thirds majority, so Tokelau is listed by the United Nations as a non-self-governing territory.

Tokelau and the New Zealand flag

Tokelau is a territory of New Zealand, and used the New Zealand flag as its official flag until 2009. Since then the Tokelau flag has been the territory's own official flag. With around 1,500 residents on three atolls and an area of just 10 square kilometers, Tokelau is one of the smallest territories in the world. Residents are New Zealand citizens.