Adopted in 1829 (unofficial flag). The Tahiti flag colors are red and white, traditional Polynesian colors. Two wide horizontal bands above and below a wider white band in the ratio of 1:2:1. A variant of the flag of the Kingdom of Tahiti, in use 1829-1842. Use was actually prohibited by France in the 1970's. Use is currently allowed, but not official. French Polynesia and Tahiti are semi-autonomous overseas departments of France lying in the South Pacific and officially they fly the flag of France. Vessels registered there are required to fly the flag of France.