The flag of New Zealand, also known as the "New Zealand Ensign," is characterized by a blue field with the Union Jack in the canton (upper left corner) and four red stars with white edges, known as the Southern Cross constellation, on the fly side. The Union Jack represents New Zealand's historical ties to the United Kingdom as a former British colony. The Southern Cross, composed of the stars Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta Crucis, has both cultural and navigational significance, as it has guided travelers in the Southern Hemisphere for centuries. The blue background symbolizes the clear skies and the Pacific Ocean that surround New Zealand. The flag embodies the nation's historical connections, its unique position in the Southern Hemisphere, and its commitment to both its British heritage and its Pacific identity.
| Proportion: | 1:2 |
|---|---|
| Adopted: | March 24, 1902 |
| Designed by: | Albert Hastings Markham |
| Flag image: | Animated GIF (25 frames looped) |
| Flag emoji code: | 🇳🇿 |
The coat of arms of New Zealand is a multifaceted emblem with various symbols. The shield within it contains representations of the national flag (stars), maritime trade (sailing ships), agriculture (golden wheat sheaf), animal husbandry (sheep), mining, and industry (a crossed hammer and a pickaxe), reflecting the country's diverse economic and cultural aspects. Above the shield, a crown signifies New Zealand's status as a constitutional monarchy. The shield is supported by a European woman and a Māori chief, symbolizing the nation's bicultural heritage and the partnership between the indigenous Māori people and European settlers in the country's history. Together, these elements encapsulate New Zealand's historical, cultural, and economic significance, as well as its commitment to inclusivity and shared heritage.
New Zealand is a sovereign island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. Its capital is Wellington, and its population is about 5.123 million (2021). According to its maritime borders, it borders with Australia and Fiji.
| Capital: | Wellington |
|---|---|
| Other major cities: | Auckland, Christchurch |
| Official languages: | English, Māori |
| Region: | Oceania |
| Ethnic groups: | 74.0% European, 14.9% Māori, 11.8% Asian, 7.4% Pacific peoples, 2.9% Other |
| Religions: | 44.3% Christian, 2.1% Hindu, 1.4% Buddhist, 1.3% Maori Christian, 1.1% Islam, 1.4% other religion, 38.5% no religion, 9.9% unidentified |
| Nationality name: | New Zealander |
| Area: | 268,021 km² (103,483 sq mi) |
| Population: | 5.123 million (2021) |
| Country codes: | NZ, NZL (ISO 3166) |
| Internet Top-Level Domain: | .nz |
| Calling code: | +64 |
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