The Secret History Behind Palau's Flag
Palau's moon is a little off-center, and that is on purpose.
The flag was chosen through a national competition in 1979 and officially adopted on January 1, 1981, when Palau became a self-governing republic. It is a golden full moon on a light blue field, set slightly toward the hoist.
For Palauans, the full moon is the best time for human activity: celebrations, fishing, planting, harvesting and carving canoes. It is also a symbol of peace, love and tranquility. The light blue stands for the ocean and the transition from foreign rule to self-government.
The resemblance to Japan's flag is a coincidence: the design has no connection to it.
The date printed on every Palau design in our catalog, October 1, 1994, is Independence Day.
A golden moon on an ocean blue.
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.