Vanuatu’s national flag has red and green horizontal fields divided by a black Y-shaped band edged in yellow. Near the hoist is a yellow boar’s tusk surrounding two crossed namele leaves.

What do the symbols mean?

The boar’s tusk is a traditional symbol of prosperity and social status. The namele leaves are associated with peace and custom. The Y-shape reflects the geographic pattern of the island chain. Black represents the Melanesian people, green the islands’ richness, red sacrifice and unity, and yellow light and Christianity.

History of the flag

The design developed from the colors and symbols of the Vanua’aku Pati independence movement and was adopted when Vanuatu became independent on July 30, 1980.

Vanuatu flag facts

• Adopted: July 30, 1980
• Colors: red, green, black and yellow
• Symbols: boar’s tusk and namele leaves
• Distinctive layout: Y-shaped band