Flags Featuring the Southern Cross
Flags Featuring the Southern Cross
The Southern Cross (Crux) is a compact constellation that dominates the southern sky. It’s so iconic that several countries proudly place it on their national flags. Here’s a quick way to spot it at a glance.
Spot it on these flags
Australia
Five white stars form the Southern Cross; plus a large Commonwealth Star under the Union Jack.
New Zealand
Four red stars with white borders trace a simpler Southern Cross silhouette.
Papua New Guinea
White stars of the Southern Cross sit on the black triangle; the red half features the bird-of-paradise.
Samoa
A blue canton with five white stars sketches the Southern Cross.
Brazil
Within the blue globe of stars, the Southern Cross is one of several constellations shown.
Quick ways to tell them apart
- Australia vs New Zealand: Australia has five white stars (plus the big Commonwealth Star); New Zealand shows four red stars with white borders.
- Papua New Guinea: Look for the diagonal split and the bird-of-paradise.
- Samoa: Red field, blue canton with the stars.
- Brazil: Many stars overall—find the distinctive diamond of the cross inside the blue globe.
Also seen in overseas territories
Tokelau
Parent nation: New Zealand
Features the Southern Cross in white, alongside a stylized Polynesian canoe sailing toward it.
Christmas Island
Parent nation: Australia
Southern Cross in the blue field; the green field displays a golden bosun bird and island map.
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Parent nation: Australia
Green field with a palm tree emblem and the Southern Cross in yellow.
Test yourself on CapQuiz to lock these in fast. Try the Oceania flags, then compare Australia and New Zealand back-to-back!