unofficial, local flag has a red field with four white isosceles triangles in the middle, representing the three native kings of the islands and the French administrator
the apexes of the triangles are oriented inward and at right angles to each other
the flag of France, outlined in white on two sides, is in the upper hoist quadrant
note: the design is derived from an original red banner with a white cross pattee that was introduced in the 19th century by French missionaries