Kiribati became independent on July 12th 1979 when the country gained it's independance from Great Britain.

The Bottom Half of the flag of Kiribati consists of six alternating blue and white wavy stripes that represent the Ocean and the  three different groups of islands (Gilbert, Phoenix and Line Islands). The top half of the flag has a red background. Above the waves there is a yellow/gold half sun with 17 rays. These rays represent the 16 Gilbert Islands and Banaba, a former Ocean Island.Kiribati was formerly named the Gilbert Islands. Above the sun there is a yellow/gold bird (Golden Frigate Bird) flying towards the left side of the flag. The image of the bird represents authority, freedom and command of the sea.

The badge was designed by Sir Arthur Grimble in 1932.