The flag of Cocos Islands consists of a green field with a palm tree in a gold disc in the upper left-hand corner. The flag also contains a gold crescent in the centre of the flag and the Southern Cross constellation in gold on the right-hand side. This flag was officially adopted on 6 April 2004 and replaced the flag of Australia in many capacities.
The palm tree is a symbol of the native plants and trees of the islands as well as the tropical climate of the area. The crescent is a symbol of Islam which is the religion of the Cocos Malays who make up the majority of the population living in the country. The Southern Cross constellation featured on the flag can be seen from many South-Pacific nations and is also featured on the flags in Australia and New Zealand as well as various Pacific Islands. The colors of this flag are the national colors of Australia and they are symbolic of the relationship of Cocos Islands as an external territory and protectorate of Australia. Green is also seen as a symbol of the abundant greenery in the country.
The flag of Cocos Islands was designed by Mohd Ian Minkom, working for the Office of the Island's Administrator, in early 2003. There are accounts from many locals that this design was used earlier as a regional flag in some parts of Cocos Islands. The government of Cocos Islands is heavily dependant on the laws and economic aid of Australia and the new flag paid tribute through coloring and symbolism.
Previous flags of the country include the flag of Australia which was flown in Cocos Islands from 23 November 1955 until 2004. This flag is still used in some official areas because the country is still considered a part of Australia. The Union Jack of the British Empire was used in the country from 1857-1903 and again from 1942-1945 during World War II. From 1903 until 1955 the country used three additional flags, all of which contain the Union Jack in the upper-left corner.
This page was last modified on May 1st, 2018
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