The flag of the Cook Islands features a blue field with a Union Jack in the canton and a circular wreath of 15 white stars on the right. The blue represents the ocean surrounding the islands, while the stars symbolize the 15 islands that make up the Cook Islands, each star representing one island. The Union Jack signifies the islands' ties to the United Kingdom. Adopted in 1979, the flag reflects the Cook Islands' identity and its status as a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand. The design embodies both the islands' cultural heritage and their connection to the broader Pacific community.