The flag of Kiribati (buraki ni Kiribati) is red in the upper half with a gold frigatebird (Fregata minor, in Gilbertese: te eitei) flying over a gold rising sun (otintaai), and the lower half is blue with three horizontal wavy white stripes to represent the ocean and the three archipelagoes (Gilbert, Phoenix and Line Islands).

The yellow frigatebird symbolises command over the sea, freedom, and dance patterns.

In a letter on 15 August 1892 to the Western Pacific High Commissioner, Arthur Grimble has written (concerning his badge proposal): The coat of arms dates was then granted by the College of Arms in May 1937 when it was officially granted to the colony of Gilbert and Ellice Islands.

Both the golden frigatebird and the sun were enlarged to occupy more of the top of the flag, and the width of the blue and white wavy bands was reduced.

[citation needed] The new flag was hoisted during the independence day celebrations in the capital, Tarawa, on 12 July 1979.