Tonga’s national flag has a red field with a white canton containing a red Greek cross. Its design has been in use since the nineteenth century and is protected by Tonga’s Constitution.

What does the Tonga flag look like?

The large red field fills most of the flag. In the upper hoist corner is a white rectangle containing a simple red cross.

What does the cross mean?

The red cross reflects Tonga’s strong Christian tradition and the influence of Christianity on the modern Tongan monarchy and state.

History of the flag

King George Tupou I and missionary Shirley Waldemar Baker are associated with the development of Tonga’s modern flag in the 1860s. The 1875 Constitution established the design and declares that the national flag shall never be altered.

Tonga flag facts

• Colors: red and white
• Symbol: red Christian cross
• Constitutional protection: 1875
• Distinctive rule: Constitution says it must never be altered