Flags, Symbols & Currency of Marshall Islands
The National Flag of the Marshall Islands was officially adopted on May 1, 1979. The flag has been designed by Emlain Kabua - the former First Lady of the Republic of Marshall Islands.
The National Flag of the Marshall Islands features a deep blue background with two stripes - orange (top) and white, that radiates from the lower end of the flag’s hoist-side corner to the upper end of the flag’s fly-side corner. A glowing white star with four large rays and 20 small rays appears on the hoist side above the two stripes. The diagonal bands together represent the equator and the upper and lower triangles symbolize the Northern and Southern Hemisphere, respectively. The star in the upper triangle thus represents the archipelago’s location in the Northern Hemisphere.The deep blue colored background of the flag represents the Pacific Ocean where the country is located. The orange stripe signifies the Ralik (Sunset) Chain and symbolizes courage/bravery. The white stripe signifies the Ratak Chain (Sunrise) and symbolizes peace. The glowing white star symbolizes the cross of Christianity, with each of the 24 small rays designating one of the electoral districts in the country and the four larger rays highlight the principal cultural centers of the nation - Majuro, Jaluit, Wotje, and Ebeye. The flag has a width-to-length proportion ratio of 10:19.
History of the Flag of Marshall Islands
In 1788, the Marshall Islands were visited by John Marshall (an explorer from Britain). A few decades following the discovery of the Marshall Islands by the Europeans, the different European powers started to establish their control over the Islands. In 1592, Spain claimed the islands. Some of the islands were sold by Spain to Germany and subsequently these islands became a part of German New Guinea. In 1878, the flag of the German Empire was the first flag flown over Marshall Islands. This flag was used until 1894. Control of the Marshall Islands went to the Empire of Japan during WWI and during WWII, the US claimed the territory. After the WWII, Marshall Islands became a part of the Pacific Trust Territory. The United Nations Flag was also used in the Marshall Islands between 1847-1965. In 1944, the United States Flag was first adopted. The flag was in use for several years. On May 1, 1979, when the country achieved a status of self-governance, the national flag of the nation that was designed by the former First Lady - Emlain Kabua was officially adopted.
Symbols of Marshall Islands
The Seal of Marshall Islands
The Seal of the Marshall Islands features a stylized Angel of Peace with outstretched wings, which is placed in the center. Around the Angel (moving in clockwise), at the top is: a 24-point star. On the either side of the star are the orange and white stripes similar to those in the national flag. Next to the stripes, is a stylized fishing net. The fishing net represents the fishing industry and the fish that forms the main staple diet of the Marshallese people. Next to the fishing net, is a stylized outrigger sailing canoe. Behind the star shield is a stylized nautical chart. Below the chart is a banner with the word “SEAL”. Next to it is a symbolic representation of an island with stylized palm trees. Above the right wing of the Angel of Peace is, a “pounder”. This pounder is made up of a giant calm shell and is generally used to pound pandanus leaves that are traditionally used to make mats, sails, clothing etc. Around the outer edges of the Seal and placed at the top are the words: “Government of the Marshall Islands”; at the bottom is the national motto: “Jepilpilin Ke Ejukaan”. The rim of the Seal is a link chain that symbolizes that the islands are all linked together. One half of the chain represents the Ralik group and the other half the Ratak group.
National Motto
Jepilpin Ke Ejukaan (Marshallese: “Accomplishment Through Joint Effort”)
National Anthem
- Anthem Title: “Forever Marshall Islands”
- Music Composer: Amata Kabua
- Lyricist: Amata Kabua
- Date of Adoption: 1991
“Forever Marshall Islands” is the national anthem of Marshall Islands. The muisc of the anthem and the lyrics have been created by Amata Kabua, the Former President of Marshall Islands.
Indeeo Ṃajeḷ (Marshallese)
Aelōn̄ eo ao ion lometo;
Einwot wut ko lōti ion dren elae;
Kin meram in Mekar jen ijo ilan̄;
Erreo an romak ioir kin meram in mour;
Eltan pein Anij eweleo im wōj;
Kejolit kij kin ijin jikir emol;
Ijjamin Ilok jen in aō lemoran;
Anij an ro jemem wonakke im kejrammon Aelin̄ kein ad.
“Forever Marshall Islands”
My island lies o'er the ocean;
Like a wreath of flowers upon the sea;
With the light of the Maker from far above;
Shining with the brilliance of rays of life;
Our Father's wondrous creation;
Bequeathed to us, our motherland;
I'll never leave my dear home sweet home;
God of our forefathers protect and bless forever Marshall Islands.
The Currency of Marshall Islands is the United States dollar
The current official currency of the Marshall Islands is the United States dollar (US$, USD). It is subdivided into 100 cents.
Coins: The coins which are currently used in the Marshall Islands are 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 cents. However, the 50-cent coin is rarely used by the public. The coins are legal tender and have both numismatic and precious metals value.
Banknotes: Currently, US dollar banknotes are available in denominations of $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50-, and $100-dollar notes.
Note: In 2018, a Sovereign Currency Act has been passed by the Republic of Marshall Islands intending to release a new blockchain-based national digital currency, known as the Marshallese sovereign (SOV).
United States dollar Banknote
United States dollar Coin
