Adopted in 1971. The Papua New Guinea flag is divided diagonally from upper hoist-side corner. The upper triangle is red with a soaring yellow bird of paradise centered. The lower triangle is black with five, white, five-pointed stars of the Southern Cross constellation centered. Red, black, and yellow are traditional colors of Papua New Guinea. The bird of paradise, endemic to the island of New Guinea, is an emblem of regional tribal culture and represents the emergence of Papua New Guinea as a nation. The Southern Cross, visible in the night sky, symbolizes Papua New Guinea's connection with Australia and several other countries in the South Pacific. (ref: CIA World Factbook)