Flag ratio: 1:2

The current Flag of Tuvalu was instated when the country became independent in 1978, after the separation from the Gilberts in 1976. Like many former and current British dependencies, the Tuvaluan flag is a light blue ensign based on the Union Flag, which is shown in the upper left canton of the flag. The previous flag (with the Gilberts) was also based on the Union Flag but with the coat of arms created by Sir Arthur Grimble in 1932, the resident commissioner of the British colony. Image File history File links Flag_of_Tuvalu. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Tuvalu. ... FIAV usage code 63. ... The tricolor flag of France A flag is a piece of coloured cloth flown from a pole or mast, usually for purposes of signalling or identification. ... 1978 (MCMLXXVIII) was a common year starting on Sunday (the link is to a full 1978 calendar). ... The Republic of Kiribati is an island nation located in the central tropical Pacific Ocean. ... 1976 (MCMLXXVI) is a leap year starting on Thursday (link will take you to calendar). ... The modern Blue Ensign of the United Kingdom The British Blue Ensign (1707–1801) English Blue Ensign as it appeared in the seventeenth century. ... It has been suggested that Union Jack be merged into this article or section. ... Sir Arthur Francis Grimble [1888-1956], British Civil Servant and writer. ... 1932 (MCMXXXII) is a leap year starting on Friday. ...

The stars represent the 9 islands of which Tuvalu is made up; the arrangement is geographically correct when the flag is hung from the hoist down (because of the astronomical position in the sky).

In 1995 the flag was replaced with a new one which was not based on the British flag, and also represented the islands with stars. This flag, however, was not liked by the inhabitants, who felt that it was a move towards replacing the popular British monarchy with a republic. The old flag was re-instated in 1997, with some minor changes. 1995 (MCMXCV) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... 1997 (MCMXCVII) is a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ...