kiribati postcard

Flag of Kiribati. The flag of Kiribati comprises a red upper half with a gold frigatebird (Fregata minor) flying over a gold rising sun (otintaai); and the lower half is blue with three horizontal wavy white stripes to represent the ocean and the three groups (Gilbert, Phoenix and Line Islands). The 17 rays of the sun represent the 16 Gilbert Islands and Banaba (former Ocean Island). The frigatebird symbolises command of the sea, power, freedom and Kiribati cultural dance patterns, the blue and white wavy bands represent the Pacific Ocean which surrounds Kiribati and the sun refers to Kiribati's position astride the Equator.