French navigator. After service with the French in Canada during the Seven Years' War, he made the first French circumnavigation of the world in 176669 and the first systematic observations of longitude.
Several Pacific islands are named after him, as is the climbing plant bougainvillea.
The star, which was added to the flag in 1793, initially had more than five points. The star may represent the Morning Star mentioned in the Koran. Effective date: 5 June 1936.