The Secret History Behind the Cook Islands' Flag
The Cook Islands' flag has fifteen stars in a ring, one for each island.
It was adopted on August 4, 1979 and is a Blue Ensign with a circle of fifteen white stars in the fly. The ring is meant to show unity, equal importance and cooperation among the islands. The blue is the Pacific Ocean, where the islands are spread out, and the peaceful nature of its people. The Blue Ensign recalls the ties with New Zealand, with which the Cook Islands is in free association.
From 1973 to 1979 the flag was different: green, with yellow stars. The green stood for the growth and life of the islands and the yellow for faith, love and happiness.
The date printed on every Cook Islands design in our catalog, August 4, 1965, is the day the islands became self-governing in free association with New Zealand.
Fifteen stars, fifteen islands and one ring.
Looking for a gift with a story? See our heritage gift guide, or read the story behind any other country's flag on our free Flag Stories page.