The Flag of Wallis and Futuna
The flag of Wallis and Futuna is a distinctive symbol that combines traditional French tricolor elements with local cultural icons. It features a red saltire on a white field, intersected by a smaller red cross within a blue square in the canton. This design incorporates the French national flag in the upper hoist quarter, signifying the territory's status as a French overseas collectivity.
History of The Flag of Wallis and Futuna
Wallis and Futuna's flag was unofficially adopted in 1985 and has been in use since then, despite the official flag of the territory being the flag of France due to its political status. The unique elements of the flag represent the dual cultural heritage of the islands: the red cross is the symbol of Wallis, derived from the flag of the kingdom of Uvea, one of the three traditional kingdoms in the territory. The red saltire is symbolic of Futuna, reflecting the flag of the kingdom of Sigave, another of the territory's kingdoms. The combination of these elements on a single flag underscores the unity and distinct identities within Wallis and Futuna, while the presence of the French flag highlights the islands' ties to France.