Palau’s national flag has a light-blue field with a large golden-yellow disc positioned slightly toward the hoist. The disc represents the full moon, an important symbol in Palauan culture.

What does the Palau flag look like?

The flag is intentionally simple: a pale blue rectangular field with a yellow circle offset slightly from the centre toward the hoist.

What does the moon mean?

The full moon is traditionally associated with favourable times for community activities, celebrations, fishing and other important events. The blue field represents the surrounding Pacific Ocean and the transition to self-government.

History of the flag

The flag was adopted in 1981 when Palau became a self-governing republic within the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. It remained the national flag when Palau became fully independent in free association with the United States in 1994.

Palau flag facts

• Adopted: 1981
• Colors: light blue and yellow
• Central symbol: full moon
• Independence: 1994