Western Australia - Australia

Western Australia is the second biggest subdivision in the world behind the Russian Sakha Republic. Its slightly smaller then the nation of Argentina and it covers an third of the continent of Australia. Dutch discovered this part of Australia or better said the stumbled on it, they called it Nieuw Holland (New Holland). As the Dutch like good business opportunities they don't see it there, so leave the area alone. Until the French get interested the British take the western part of the colony, the named it Swan River Colony. The name New Holland invoked for many decades until the name Western Australia become official 1832. The area is mostly made up of desert and two-third of the state is sparsely populated. There are two exceptions, the southwest part has an mediterranean climate and 92% of the people lives here mostly around the capitol Perth. The most northern part named the Kimberly has an hot tropic climate with an short monsoon-like wet season. But that desert attracted initially the most people to Western Australia because of gold but also huge deposits of iron ore are there. And also mentioned in the most southwest part of the state is very suitable for wine growing. But lets take an look at the flag.

Like the other Australian state flags also with this one an British Blue Ensign with an badge on it. The origin of the Blue Ensign can be found in the British royal navy, used by ships which are commanded by an Royal navy officer or ships in public service. And where those ships operating at possible oversea British possessions the Blue Ensign will be used with an defaced emblem or badge. In this case an badge with an black swan on a yellow disc. The yellow has no meaning but the black swan is an long time symbol of Western Australia. Dutch explorers in 1697 discovered the only black swan species in the world at the mouth of the Swan River, and where astonished of the black bird. On the first flag from 1870 the swan was facing the opposite direction against the hoist. Vexillogists has an guideline for animals on the flag, the animal must face the hoist and Western Australia changed it in 1953. An simple but distinctive flag proud of the black swan.