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The Union Jack in the upper left quadrant of the Australian flag is an historical reminder that Australia was settled by the British. It represents Australia's relationship with Britain as a member of the Commonwealth and also as the parent nation. The Union Jack is a combination of the flags of the United Kingdom - England (St. George's cross), Scotland (St. Andrew's cross) and Ireland (St. Patrick's cross).

The group of five stars on the right hand side form the constellation of the Southern Cross, a valuable navigation aid to early sailors travelling through the Southern Hemisphere, and an unofficial symbol of Australia, the southern continent. It is visible and distinctive in Australia and other parts of the Southern Hemisphere, so it relates to Australia's geographic position.

The sixth star, situated below the Union Jack, is known as the Federation star or Commonwealth star. It has seven points, with six of the points representing the six states of Australia, and the seventh representing Australia's two mainland territories as well as its numerous external (offshore) territories.

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13y ago

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