Flag of Australia
Flag NameFlag of Australia
Country NameAustralia
ISO 3166-1 alpha-2AU
Date Adopted1901-09-03 (first flown); 1953-12-14 (officially adopted by Flags Act 1953)
Adoption Statusofficial
Flag Typenational
Aspect Ratio1:2
Primary ColorsBlue, White, Red
Symbolism DescriptionThe Union Jack in the canton represents Australia's historical links to the United Kingdom and its origins as a British colony. The large white seven-pointed star, known as the Commonwealth Star, symbolises the federation of the six colonies into the Commonwealth of Australia, with its seven points representing the six original states and the combined territories. The Southern Cross constellation, visible in the Southern Hemisphere, represents Australia's geographical location.
Symbolism Categorieshistory
DesignerIvor Evans, Leslie John Hawkins, Egbert John Nuttall, Annie Dorrington, William Stevens (joint winners of the 1901 design competition)
Canton DetailsThe Union Jack is placed in the upper hoist canton.
Related FlagsAustralian Red Ensign, Australian White Ensign, Royal Australian Air Force Ensign, Flags of Australian states and territories
Legal DescriptionFlags Act 1953
Description
The national flag of Australia features a blue field with the Union Jack in the upper hoist canton, a large white seven-pointed star (the Commonwealth Star) in the lower hoist, and a representation of the Southern Cross constellation, made up of five white stars (one small five-pointed star and four larger seven-pointed stars), in the fly.
