These fifteen countries vary widely in their cultures and occupy a large swath of the world ocean although (with the exception of the continent-country Australia), do not occupy much land.
Crux, Latin for Cross, is the smallest of the 88 modern constellations, but is one of the most distinctive. It is dominated by a cross-shaped asterism that is commonly known as the Southern Cross because it is easily visible from the southern hemisphere, at practically any time of year.
A tradition that is widespread in Australia is that of the "Emu in the Sky", a constellation that is defined opaque clouds of dust and gas that are visible against the milky way background. The Emu's head is next to the Southern Cross.
Under the Flags Act, 1953, passed unanimously by parliament, it was confirmed that the "Stars and Crosses" design be the chief national symbol by law, custom and tradition and that it be honoured with the title "Australian National Flag".
The stars of the Southern Cross represent the geographic position in the Southern Hemisphere; the Commonwealth star stands for the federation of States and Territories; the Crosses represent the principles of parliamentary democracy, rule of law, and freedom of speech.
New South Wales
Queensland
South Australia
Capital Territory
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia
Northern Territory
Norfolk Island
Christmas Island
Torres Strait Island
Aboriginal People
The Coat of Arms
The Coat of Arms of Australia is the official symbol of Australia. The initial coat of arms was granted by King Edward VII on 7 May, and the current version was granted by King George V on 19 September, 1912.
National Flag
Fiji's flag flew for the first time on Independence Day, October 10, 1970. It includes the red, white and blue Union Flag of Britain in the top left-hand corner and the shield from the Fiji Coat of Arms on a light blue background.
Coat of Arms
Fiji's national Coat of arms consists of the images of two Fijian warriors on either side of a shield and the motto "Rerevaka na Kalou ka Doka na Tui" below the shield. These words mean "Fear God and honour the Queen." The shield from the coat of arms has the image of a heraldic lion holding a cocoa pod across the top.
National Flag
Coat of Arms
National Flag
Coat of Arms
National Flag
Coat of Arms
National Flag
Coat of Arms
National Flag
Adopted in 1902, the New Zealand flag consists of the Union Flag in the upper hoist position, and the Southern Cross represented by four five-pointed stars.
Coat of Arms
The shield is supported by two figures, a blonde European woman holding the New Zealand flag, and a warrior holding a taiaha. The shield is topped with the St. Edward's Crown, and beneath the shield are two leaves and a scroll bearing the words "New Zealand".
American Pages
Canadian Pages
