Ponape (Pohnpei) (Micronesia)

Last modified: 2003-01-18 by sam lockton
Keywords: micronesia | pohnpei | ponape cup | stars: white | coconut shell |
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contributed by Jarig Bakker

1977-1992 flag

by Jaume Oll�

• Federated States of Micronesia

Pohnpei (Ponape) flies a blue flag (blue like the UNO flag) with six stars (one for each island: Pingelap, Mokil, Ponape, Ngatik, Nukuoro and Kapingamarangi), a wreath of coconut leaves, and a ceremonial cup called a "sakau" cup made from half a coconut shell. The law allowing a flag was passed in 1976 and a competition was held. The flag was created by a student, Rosendo Alex (his was one of 60 designs submitted in the competition), and it was adopted in December 1977.
Jaume Oll�, 12 September 1996

I saw two variations of this Micronesian island flag. one version with 11 stars and the other with 6 stars.Which one is the right one?
Dov Gutterman, 08 December 1998

I believe that the design with six stars was the first one. Adopted in December 1977 the six stars were for the six atolls: Pingelap, Mokil, Ponape, Ngatik, Nukuoro y Kapingaramangi. The wreath was different from the current one, and also the shade of blue later changed to the current design (1993) with 11 stars.
Jaume Oll�, 10 December 1998

Ponape used the flag bearing six stars during 1977-1992 and then Pohnpei(new name) changed number of star from six to eleven in the flag in 1992 to present.
Nozomi Kariyasu, 9 September 2000