The Australian national flag made its debut in 1901. The flag features three elements on a blue background: the Union Jack, the Commonwealth Star, and the Southern Cross. The Union Jack in the top left corner represents the era of British settlement. Below the Union Jack is a white Commonwealth, or Federation, star. It has seven points symbolizing the six states and territories in the Commonwealth of Australia. The Southern Cross is displayed on the flag in white. It is a constellation of five stars, visible only from the southern hemisphere, and serves as a reminder of Australia's geography.