The flag of Tuvalu features a light blue field with the Union Jack in the canton and nine stars on the fly side. The stars represent the nine islands of Tuvalu (Nanumea, Niutao, Nanumanga, Nui, Vaitupu, Nukufetau, Funafuti, Nukulaelae, and Niulakita). The arrangement of the stars in a geographically correct map symbolizes the country's place within the vastness of the Pacific Ocean. The Union Jack reflects Tuvalu's historical ties to Great Britain.