Flag of Fiji

Flag origins

Fiji’s flag has a light blue field with the Union Jack at the upper left and the shield from the national arms on the fly. It was first raised at independence on October 10, 1970. Light blue recalls the Pacific, while the Union Jack reflects the former British colonial connection. The shield includes a lion associated with Britain, sugar cane, a coconut palm, bananas and a white dove. The lion holds a cocoa pod, and a St George’s cross divides the shield into four sections.

Flag story

Fiji became independent in 1970 and a republic in 1987, yet retained the Union Jack. The government also describes continuing strong historical ties with the British royal family. A government plan in the 2010s proposed removing it and published numerous alternative designs, but the change did not happen and the 1970 flag remains. October 10 is doubly significant: Fiji was ceded to Britain on October 10, 1874, and became independent on the same date in 1970.

Editorial notes and references

Edited by ABELHA WORKS. The English text translates the administrator-edited Japanese description. Legends should be distinguished from documented history. General reference links do not substantiate every statement in the text.

• Fiji — general information on Wikipedia
• Japan MOFA: countries and regions (Japanese)

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