Complete Flags of the World

WORLD MAP

(see back endpaper for Europe and Caribbean detail)

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COMPLETE

FLAGS

OF THE WORLD

LONDON, NEW YORK, MELBOURNE
MUNICH, AND DELHI

This book was produced in association with The Flag Institute, UK.
We would like to dedicate this book to the late Dr. William G. Crampton,
Director of the Flag Institute, without whom it would not have been possible.

Vexillology artwork and consultants Graham Bartram, Michael Faul
Editorial Contributors Roger Bullen, Debra Clapson, Wim Jenkins, Simon Mumford
US Editor Charles Wills
Designers Tony Cutting, Carol Ann Davis, Yahya El Droubie, Karen Gregory, Nicki Liddiard
Systems Coordinator Philip Rowles
Managing Editor David Roberts
Managing Art Editor Karen Self
Art Director Bryn Walls
Publisher Jonathan Metcalf
Production Controller Rita Sinha

First published in the United States in 1997 as The Ultimate Pocket Flags of the World
by DK Publishing, 375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014

08 09 10 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
CD278 - November/2008
Reprinted with Revisions 1998. Second Edition 1999. Third Edition 2002. Fourth Edition 2005.
Reprinted with Revisions 2006. Fifth Edition 2008.

Copyright © 1997, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2008 Dorling Kindersley Limited. All rights reserved.
Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be
reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means
(electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), without the prior written permission
of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.
Published in Great Britain by Dorling Kindersley Limited.
A catalog record for this book is available from the Library of Congress.

ISBN-13: 978-0-7566-4115-3
DK books are available at special discounts when purchased in bulk for sales promotions, premiums,
fund-raising, or educational use. For details, contact: DK Publishing Special Markets, 375 Hudson
Street, New York, New York 10014 or [email protected].
Color reproduction by Altaimage Ltd., London, UK
Printed and bound in China by L.Rex Printing Co., Ltd.

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Contents

Introduction ............................................................... 5 AFRICA
Types of flags/Parts of the flag ................ 6–7 Morocco/Algeria ........................................ 56–57
Tunisia/Libya ................................................ 58–59
NORTH & CENTRAL AMERICA Egypt/Sudan ................................................ 60–61
Canada Eritrea/Djibouti ......................................... 62–63
Ethiopia/Somalia ...................................... 64–65
National and subnational flags ............... 8–10 Uganda/Kenya ............................................ 66–67
United States of America Rwanda/Burundi ...................................... 68–69
Central African Republic .............................. 70
National and subnational flags ............. 11–19 Dem. Rep. Congo .............................................. 71
Mexico/Guatemala ................................... 20–21 Niger/Chad .................................................... 72–73
Belize/El Salvador ..................................... 22–23 Mauritania/Mali .......................................... 74–75
Honduras/Nicaragua ............................... 24–25 Senegal/Gambia .......................................... 76–77
Costa Rica/Panama ................................. 26–27 Cape Verde/Guinea-Bissau ................. 78–79
Jamaica/Cuba ............................................... 28–29 Guinea/Sierra Leone .............................. 80–81
Bahamas/Haiti .............................................. 30–31 Liberia/Ivory Coast ................................. 82–83
Dominican Republic ........................................ 32 Burkina/Ghana ........................................... 84–85
St. Kitts & Nevis .................................................. 33 Togo/Benin .................................................. 86–87
Antigua & Barbuda/Dominica ......... 34–35 Nigeria/Cameroon .................................. 88–89
St. Lucia ..................................................................... 36 Equatorial Guinea .............................................. 90
St. Vincent & the Grenadines ..................... 37 São Tomé & Príncipe ........................................ 91
Barbados/Grenada .................................... 38–39 Gabon/Congo ............................................. 92–93
Trinidad & Tobago ............................................ 40 Angola/Zambia .......................................... 94–95
Tanzania/Malawi ...................................... 96–97
SOUTH AMERICA Zimbabwe/Mozambique ..................... 98–99
Colombia .................................................................. 41 Namibia/Botswana .............................. 100–101
Venezuela/Guyana .................................... 42–43 Lesotho/Swaziland ............................... 102–103
Suriname/Ecuador .................................... 44–45 South Africa/Seychelles .................... 104–105
Peru .............................................................................. 46 Comoros/Madagascar ....................... 106–107
Brazil Mauritius ................................................................ 108

National and subnational flags ............ 47–50 EUROPE
Chile ............................................................................. 51 Iceland ..................................................................... 109
Bolivia/Paraguay ........................................ 52–53 Norway/Denmark ................................. 110–111
Uruguay/Argentina .................................. 54–55 Sweden/Finland ...................................... 112–113

Estonia/Latvia .......................................... 114–115 Jordan/Saudi Arabia ............................ 180–181
Lithuania/Poland ................................... 116–117 Yemen/Oman ......................................... 182–183
Germany United Arab Emirates/Qatar ........ 184–185
Bahrain/Kuwait .................................... 186–187
National and subnational flags ....... 118–120 Iraq/Iran ..................................................... 188–189
The Netherlands Turkmenistan/Uzbekistan .............. 190–191
Kazakhstan/Mongolia ....................... 192–193
National and subnational flags ....... 121–123 Kyrgyzstan/Tajikistan ........................ 194–195
Belgium/Ireland .................................... 124–125 Afghanistan/Pakistan ......................... 196–197
United Kingdom Nepal/Bhutan ......................................... 198–199
India/Maldives ...................................... 200–201
National and subnational flags ...... 126–130 Sri Lanka/Bangladesh ...................... 202–203
France ........................................................................ 131 Myanmar/Thailand ............................ 204–205
Luxembourg/Monaco ........................ 132–133 Laos/Cambodia .................................... 206–207
Andorra/Portugal ................................. 134–135 Vietnam ................................................................. 208
Spain Malaysia

National and subnational flags ....... 136–138 National and subnational flags ...... 209–211
Italy ............................................................................ 139 Indonesia/East Timor ........................ 212–213
Malta/Vatican City .............................. 140–141 Singapore/Brunei ................................. 214–215
San Marino ........................................................... 142 Philippines/Taiwan ............................. 216–217
Switzerland China/North Korea ........................... 218–219
South Korea/Japan .............................. 220–221
National and subnational flags ....... 143–147
Liechtenstein ....................................................... 148 AUSTRALASIA & OCEANIA
Austria Australia

National and subnational flags ....... 149–150 National and subnational flags ...... 222–223
Hungary .................................................................. 151 Vanuatu/Fiji ............................................. 224–225
Czech Republic/Slovakia ................ 152–153 Papua New Guinea/
Slovenia/Croatia ..................................... 154–155
Bosnia & Herzegovina ................................... 156 Solomon Islands ................................ 226–227
Montenegro .......................................................... 157 Palau/Micronesia ................................ 228–229
Serbia/Kosovo ......................................... 158–159 Marshall Islands/Nauru ................... 230–231
Albania/Macedonia ............................. 160–161 Kiribati/Tuvalu ..................................... 232–233
Bulgaria/Greece ..................................... 162–163 Samoa/Tonga .......................................... 234–235
Romania/Moldova .............................. 164–165 New Zealand ....................................................... 236
Belarus/Ukraine .................................... 166–167
Russian Federation International flags ................................ 237–238

National and subnational flags ....... 168–171 Index ............................................................ 239–240

ASIA
Azerbaijan/Armenia ............................ 172–173
Turkey/Georgia ...................................... 174–175
Lebanon/Syria ......................................... 176–177
Cyprus/Israel ........................................... 178–179

Introduction

Flags are part of everyday life. more important in politics. Many
They are used by countries, newly-independent states choose
provinces, cities, international flags based on those of the political
bodies, organizations, and parties which secured independence.
companies. Revolutionary movements usually
have their own flags, and private
EARLY FLAGS and professional organizations are
increasingly adopting flags.
The earliest known flags were used
in China, to indicate different parts This book deals with national,
of the army. In Europe flags began international and subnational flags,
with the Roman vexillum, a square and national coats of arms, and is
flag used by Roman cavalry, from arranged continent by continent.
which the term “vexillology”—the Among national flags are the state
study of flags—originated. In the ensign and flag, for government use
Middle Ages, heraldry became only on sea and land; the civil
important as a means of identifying ensign and flag, for private and
kings and lords. The distinctive commercial use; and the naval
coats of arms which developed ensign, flown by warships.
were used as flags, and some still Subnational flags may be
exist today. of states (USA), provinces (Canada),
cantons (Switzerland), overseas
FLAGS FOR IDENTIFICATION territories, or other such areas.

The most significant development of KEY FLAGS IN WORLD HISTORY
flags was for use at sea. Ships flew
flags for identification at a distance, Throughout history certain flags
and many of the rules of flag-use have become the inspiration of
developed at sea. Some well-known others, starting with the Stars and
flags were designed specifically for Stripes in 1777 (see pages 11–12) ;
naval use, including the Dutch and which has inspired more flags than
Spanish flags (see pages 121 & 136) any other. The same degree of
and the International code flags (see influence has been exercised by
page 238), which were used by ships the French Tricolore from 1794,
to communicate with each other. (see page 131), the Dutch Tricolor
(see page 121) and its major derivative
POLITICAL FLAGS the Russian Tricolor (see page 168)
which gave rise to most of the flags
With the growth of independent of eastern Europe.
nation states, flags have become

5

Types of flags

SALTIRE SCANDINAVIAN CROSS

A diagonal cross stretching from corner to A cross with the upright set closer to the
corner of the flag. hoist than to the fly.

CROSS COUPED CROSS OR SALTIRE

A cross is vertical, centrally placed, and A cross or saltire which ends short of the
extends across the whole flag. edges of the flag is couped.

SE R R AT I O N QUARTERED

A narrow strip of color separating two A flag divided into four equal sections of
broader stripes or larger areas. differing design.

FIMBRIATED BICOLOR

A narrow strip of color separating two A flag of two stripes of different colors,
broader stripes or larger areas. either horizontal or vertical.

TRICOLOR TRIBAR

A flag of three stripes of three colors, either A flag of three stripes of two colors,

horizontal or vertical. horizontal or vertical.

TRIANGLE BORDERED

A flag divided by a triangle of a different A flag where the central color is surrounded
color, usually at the hoist. by a different color.

6

Parts of the flag

CANTON: The canton FIELD: The
strictly refers to any basic area or
quarter of the flag, background color
of the flag
but it commonly means
the upper quarter FLY: The part of the
nearest the staff flag furthest from the
staff; the part which
flies in the wind

STAFF: The pole from CHARGE: Any emblem
which the flag is flown placed on the field
or added to the basic
HOIST: The part of design of the flag
the flag closest to the
staff; the part used to RATIO describes the relative
hoist or raise the flag proportions of height against width.
For example, ratio: 1:2 represents a
flag twice as wide as it is high.

Heraldic terms WREATH or TORSE: The
rope of colors placed above
CREST: The element which the helmet or shield
appears at the extreme top of

the arms, above the shield

CHIEF: The top MANTLING: The strips
third of shield of cloth hanging or flying
from the wreath
SUPPORTERS: The
figures, human or animal, SHIELD: The basic unit
on which the coat of
which hold the shield arms is portrayed

SCROLL: The strip—usually COMPARTMENT: The
below the shield—which base, often a mound, on
contains the motto which the shield stands

7

North America

Canada

Ratio: 1:2 Adopted: February 15, 1965 Usage: National and Civil

A stylized maple White
leaf has been represents the
snowy north
Canada’s national of Canada
emblem for over
150 years

Red represents the sacrifice made by
Canadians during the First World War

Canada became a nation in 1867 when four
colonies united. Later, six other provinces and two
territories joined the Confederation.

The Royal Standard shows the THE NEW MAPLE LEAF FLAG
Arms of Canada, with the personal
emblem of Queen Elizabeth II. Pearson’s Pennant did not meet with
The quarters show the arms of universal approval, and consensus was
England, Scotland, Ireland, and only reached on the idea of the maple
France, the historical origin for the leaf and on the use of the national
majority of European settlers to colors. The result was the “Maple
Canada. The lowest stripe shows Leaf Flag” which was adopted by
the red maple leaf which is Canada’s Parliament in 1965. The Union Flag
national emblem. is often flown to show Canada’s links
with the United Kingdom.

CANADIAN ROYAL STANDARD

The maple leaves The quarters of
represent Canada’s the shield represent
England, Scotland,
national emblem Ireland and France
—the homelands of
many Canadian people

8

North America

Provincial flags

The date when each province joined the Confederation is shown below the province name.

ALBERTA BRITISH COLUMBIA
1905 1871

The shield dates from 1907 and was placed This flag, adopted in 1960, is an armorial
on a blue field to make a flag in 1967. The anner of the arms, granted in 1906. The
shield depicts a scene from the vast wheat un placed over heraldic waters, represents
lands of the west under a St. George’s Cross. he province’s position on the west coast.

MANITOBA NEWFOUNDLAND
1870 & LABRADOR
1949
The flag is intended to recall and to preserve
the old Canadian Red Ensign, with The colors of the flag represent all aspects of
Manitoba’s shield, depicting a buffalo on a he province, such as snow, ice, and the sea.
rock, in the fly. It was adopted in 1966. The design is intended to recall the Union
ack, the previous flag.

NEW BRUNSWICK NOVA SCOTIA
1867 1867

Another armorial banner, authorized Theoretically the oldest flag of a
in 1965. The galley ship stands for ritish Dominion. “Nova Scotia” means
shipbuilding, once an important industry,
and the lion represents New Brunswick’s New Scotland. Its flag is a St. Andrew’s
ties to Britain. Cross in reversed colors, with the

cottish Royal Arms.

ONTARIO PRINCE EDWARD
1867 ISLAND
1873
The flag was adopted in 1965 and also
attempts to recall and preserve the The flag is a banner of the arms granted
Canadian Red Ensign. The shield is from n 1905. It depicts an island, with a great
the arms of 1868 and was the first design to ritish oak and its “descendants,” under the
use a maple leaf. rotection of a British lion.

9

North America

Canada: Provincial and official flags

QUEBEC SA SK ATCHE WA N
1867 1905

Adopted in 1948, this flag is a modern Adopted in 1969, the flag combines the
version of the Fleurdelysé, an old French- rovincial shield (representing forests
Canadian flag. The fleur-de-lis flower is nd grain) with the floral emblem, the
symbolic of France.
western red lily.

NORTHWEST NUNAVUT
TERRITORIES 1999
1870
The figure on this flag symbolizes the stone
The flag was a competition winner in 1969. monuments used to mark sacred places. The
It contains the shield from the arms adopted North Star represents the leadership of the
in 1956. The lakes are represented by blue, ommunity’s elders.
snow by white.

YUKON CAPE BRETON ISLAND
TERRITORY 1994
1898
This competition-winning flag was
Accepted in 1967, the flag uses the 1956 dopted in 1994 by Cape Breton in
coat of arms. Forests, snows and waters Nova Scotia. The bird is a bald eagle.
are symbolized by the colors.

LABRADOR THE UNION FLAG
OF 1606–1801

The spruce sprigs on this regional flag When the USA became independent,
denote the three races of the larger ome people refused to give up their
Newfoundland & Labrador Province. British nationality. Known as United
mpire Loyalists, they moved to Canada.
GOVERNOR-GENERAL To honor them, the Union Flag in the
OF CANADA attern of that time is often flown.
1981

This flag, dating from 1981, does not use the
British Royal Crest; it has its own crest of a
lion with a maple leaf.

10

North America

United States of America

Ratio: 10:19 Adopted: 1960 Usage: National and Civil

The 50 stars 13 stripes stand
stand for each of for the original
the current states 13 colonies
which formed
of the Union the United
States

If a new state joins the Union a
star is added the following July 4

&ED #ANADA The United States was formed when 13 colonies
-EXICO rose against the British in 1775. They declared their
independence from Britain on July 4, 1776.

The first flag used by the Americans design and color combination was
was an adaptation of the British Red soon copied by other new nations.
Ensign, known as the “Grand Union
Flag,” (see page 12). From this The Stars and Stripes is an
developed the distinctive “Stars and all-purpose flag, but the USA is rich
Stripes,” as it known today, which in flags of many other kinds.
still has the 13 stripes for each of the
original colonies to join the Union, THE PRESIDENT’S STANDARD
and a star for each state which is now
part of the USA. The latest star was The Presidential standard, in use
added on July 4, 1960, after Hawaii today, contains the President’s
became a state in 1959. version of the national arms, and a
ring of 50 stars. The coat of arms
A TRULY NATIONAL FLAG depicts a spread eagle holding a shield
in the style of the Stars and Stripes,
The flag of 1777 (see page 12), marked 13 arrows, and 13 olive leaves,
a break with old colonial ties. It indicating the country is prepared for
became the first of a new kind of either war or peace. The motto “E
flag, one which was truly a national Pluribus Unum,” meaning “Out of
flag in the modern sense. Its basic many, one,” reflects the federal
nature of the United States.

11

North America

USA: Historical flags

The flags of the War of Independence and of the Civil War still have an influence
on the American flags of today.

THE GRAND THE FIRST STARS
UNION FLAG AND STRIPES

The first American flag was adapted from On June 14, 1777, the Union Jack was
the British Red Ensign of the time. It was emoved from the flag in favor of a blue
known as the “Grand Union Flag,” i.e. of anton with 13 stars, representing a new
the Union of 13 colonies. These were onstellation, which now also represented
represented by the 13 stripes of red and he United States. This was the first use of
white. The flag was introduced in tars in this way, and set a precedent for
December 1775 for use on land and at sea. many later flags.

THE FLAG THE FLAG
OF 1795 OF 1818

When two new states joined the Union ive new states were formed after 1795,
in 1795, two new stars and two new ut a new flag was not designed until 1817
stripes were added to the flag, making when Congress decreed that in future only
15 stripes and 15 stars. This set a precedent ew stars would be added and it would
for adding new stripes and stars when each evert to 13 stripes, in order to preserve the
new state joined the Union. The flag soon ppearance of the flag. The new stars were
became known as the “Star Spangled dded on July 4, 1818, and this system has
Banner.” een followed ever since.

THE STARS THE BATTLE FLAG OR
AND BARS “FLAG OF THE SOUTH”

When Southern states seceded from the The Battle Flag with its distinctive saltire
Union in 1860-61, a new flag for the n a red field (Southern Cross) was
Confederacy was hoisted on March 3, ntroduced in September 1861, specifically
1861. Known as the “Stars and Bars”, it or use in battle. On land it was square
originally had 7 stars, but these increased
to 13 in the course of 1861, as more states with a white border, but the rectangular
joined the Confederacy. aval version, without a border, is now
ccepted as “The Flag of the South.”

12

North America

USA: State flags

The date when each state joined the Union is shown below the state name.

ALABAMA ALASKA
1819 1959

This flag, which was adopted in 1895, The flag was designed by a Native American
shows a red saltire on a white field. It is choolboy in 1926, when Alaska was still a
intended to recall the Southern Cross or erritory. It depicts the Plow and the
Battle Flag of the Confederate States. orthern Pole star. Gold also represents
Alaska’s mineral reserves.

ARIZONA ARKANSAS
1912 1836

The red and yellow rays recall the period The flag recalls the Southern Cross.
of Spanish rule and the copper star stands The lower stars represent former colonial
for mineral riches. The flag was designed
locally and adopted in 1927. owers and the upper star stands for the
Confederacy. The flag was adopted
n 1913.

CALIFORNIA COLOR A DO
1850 1876

The flag is based on that of the California The C-shaped emblem contains the
Republic declared at Sonora in 1846; it olors of Spain, which once laid claim
did not become the state flag until 1911. o this area. The gold ball also represents
It depicts a grizzly bear and a star he state’s mineral riches. The flag was
for freedom. dopted in 1911.

CONNECTICUT DELAWARE
1788 1787

The arms date back to the seal of 1784, The arms date back to 1777 and the
and the blue field to the Civil War period, ag, adopted in 1913, includes the date
when the flag was a Union color. This
design was adopted in 1897. Delaware joined the Union. The colors
ecall the uniforms worn during the
War of Independence.

13

North America

USA: State flags

The date when each state joined the Union is shown below the state name.

DISTRICT OF FLORIDA
COLUMBIA 1845
1791
This is another flag which recalls the
The flag of the Federal District of outhern Cross used by the Confederacy
Columbia is based on a banner of the arms uring the Civil War. The original flag,
of the Washington family, which originated dopted in 1868, had only the seal, the red
in England and dates back to 1592. It was altire was added in 1900.
adopted in 1938 by a Congress Commission.

GEORGIA HAWAII
1788 1959

The new state flag for Georgia was The state flag, originally representing the
introduced in 2003, following objections ndependent kingdom, was adopted in 1845.
to the inclusion of the Confederate flag on The Union Jack recalls a flag given to the
the previous two designs. The three bars King by an army officer in 1793. The stripes
evoke pre-1956 versions of the flag. and for the main islands.

IDAHO LLINOIS
1890 1818

The flag was originally a military color and Created in 1915, the central emblem of the
bears the state seal in the center; beneath it is linois flag, depicts elements from the state
a scroll with the state’s name. The flag in this eal, including a bald eagle and a shield of
form was adopted in 1927, with new he Stars and Stripes. The name was added
specifications in 1957. eneath this in 1970.

NDIANA OWA
1816 1846

The flag was the winning entry in a design The red, white and blue colors stand for
competition held in 1916, and was rench Louisiana, of which Iowa was once a
officially adopted in 1917. The stars in two art. In the center is the seal of 1847. The
arcs are for the original states and the ag was adopted in this form in 1921.
subsequent ones.

14

North America

KANSAS KENTUCKY
1861 1792

The flag of Kansas follows a very common Another flag derived from the militia
seal and name pattern. The original flag of olors. The flag was adopted in 1918 and
1925 had the seal, recalling settlement and egularized in 1962. Like many state flags
agriculture, and a sunflower—the state contains the seal, the state name and a
flower. The name was added in 1963. wreath of goldenrod, the state flower.

LOUISIANA MAINE
1812 1820

The pelican, representing self-sacrifice and the The flag dates from 1909 when the arms,
state’s role as a protector, has long been the badge dopted in 1820, were placed on a blue field.
of Louisiana, but the flag was only adopted in The star and motto recall Maine’s northerly
1912 and slightly modified in 2004. The ocation. It was the northernmost state of the
Acadians or “Cajuns” also have their own flag. nion, until Michigan joined in 1837.

MARYLAND MASSACHUSETTS
1788 1788

This is the only flag which is a true heraldic The flag was originally adopted in 1908 and
banner, reproducing the arms of the Baltimore evised in 1971, replacing a pine tree with
family, once the “proprietors” of the state. he coat of arms adopted in 1780. The arms,
Each side of the family is represented by two epicting a Native American holding a bow,
quarters. It was adopted in 1904. ow appears on both sides of the flag.

MICHIGAN MINNESOTA
1837 1858

The arms was adopted in 1832, and The motto on this flag “The North Star,”
placed on a blue field to make the state was retained from when the state was
flag in 1911. The mottoes mean “I will he northernmost in the Union. The
defend,” and “If you seek a pleasant
peninsula, look about you.” ag was originally adopted in 1893 and
evised in 1957.

15

North America

USA: State flags

The date when each state joined the Union is shown below the state name.

MISSISSIPPI MISSOURI
1817 1821

The flag of Mississippi was adopted in The colors of the flag recall when the region
1894. It combines both the Confederacy’s was under French control. The 24 stars stand
Southern Cross with the stripes of its first or Missouri being the 24th state to join the
flag, the Stars and Bars, although on the Union. Within the seal itself are another 24
flag of Mississippi the upper stripe is blue.
ars. The flag was adopted in 1913.

MONTANA NEBRASKA
1889 1867

The flag is derived from the former state The flag of Nebraska was adopted in 1925
militia colors, while the motto “Gold and nd uses the seal which was adopted in 1867.
Silver” is in Spanish, recalling Spain’s claim This depicts an allegorical landscape,
to the area. The flag was adopted in 1905 ymbolic of the state’s agricultural and
and had the name added in 1981. ndustrial development.

NEVADA NEW HAMPSHIRE
1864 1788

The flag emerged from a design The design was adopted in 1909, making
competition and was adopted in 1929. It se of the seal, which dates back to 1775.
was revised in 1991 and the state name was depicts a ship, the Raleigh, being built
placed underneath boughs of the sagebrush n the docks of the town of Portsmouth
and the star, which represents the state. uring the War of Independence.

NEW JERSEY NEW MEXICO
1787 1912

The buff field recalls the uniforms worn This most distinctive flag was adopted in
during the War of Independence. The flag 925 and uses the sun symbol of the Zia
with the arms was adopted in 1896 and ueblo Indians, while the colors represent
made generally available in 1938. he Spanish colonial era.

16

North America

NEW YORK NORTH CAROLINA
1788 1789

The flag dates originally from flags used in The original flag was adopted in 1861 at
the War of Independence, but in this form he outbreak of the Civil War, and was in
only from 1901. Prior to that the flag had a he same colors as the Stars and Bars. The
buff field. The two figures symbolize liberty resent design dates from 1885. It contains
and justice. The coat of arms dates from 1777. he initials of the state in the blue stripe.

NORTH DAKOTA OHIO
1889 1803

The flag was originally used by the state The pennant-shaped flag of Ohio is derived
militia, the North Dakota Infantry, and was rom a cavalry guidon of the Civil War
adopted in 1911, almost without alteration, eriod. The 17 stars recall that Ohio was the
explaining its squarish shape. In the center 7th state to join the union and the circle or
is a version of the national arms. O” refers to the state’s initial.

OKLAHOMA OREGON
1907 1859

The basic design emerged from a design This is now the only state flag with a
competition and was adopted in 1925. The ifferent design on its reverse. The obverse
name was added in 1941. The Native hows the seal within 33 stars, the state’s
American emblems, all symbols of peace, ame and its date of admission. The reverse
recall the previous name, “Indian Territory.” hows a beaver. It was adopted in 1925.

PENNSYLVANIA RHODE ISLAND
1787 1790

The coat of arms of the state was adopted in The anchor, symbolic of hope, has long
1777 and regularized in 1875. It was placed een the emblem of Rhode Island. The flag,
on a blue field to make the flag in 1907. The ased on a War of Independence flag, was
shield is supported by two horses. dopted in 1877 and modified in 1897.

17

North America

USA: State flags

The date when each state joined the Union is shown below the state name.

SOUTH CAROLINA SOUTH DAKOTA
1788 1889

The flag was adopted in 1861 at the very The flag of South Dakota was adopted in 1963
start of the Civil War, but contains n the basis of previous models and had the
emblems used during the War of ormer motto “The Sunshine State” around
Independence and also used in the state he seal. This was changed to “The Mount
arms. The central palmetto is the state tree.
Rushmore State” in 1992.

TENNESSEE TEXAS
1796 1845

The three stars are for the three The flag copies the colors of the Stars and
geographical divisions of the state, tripes, but with only one star, which dates
whilst its general appearance recalls ack to one on the plain blue flag of the
the Battle Flag or Southern Cross.
The flag was adopted in 1905. Republic of Texas. It was adopted in 1839
nd retained after Texas joined the Union.

UTAH VERMONT
1896 1791

The beehive in the flag recalls the emblem The arms, including the Lone Pine emblem,
of the Mormon state of Deseret, located in ate back to when Vermont was independent
Utah and the date recalls their settlement rom 1777–91. The present flag, based on
of the region. The present flag dates from he former militia flag, was adopted in 1923.
1911, and uses the seal adopted in 1896.
The state name appears on a scroll.

VIRGINIA WASHINGTON
1788 1889

The state arms was adopted in 1776. The Washington is known as “The Evergreen
seal, showing Liberty Triumphing over tate” and this is reflected by its flag. It is the
Tyranny, was placed on the flag in 1861 nly state with a green flag. The seal dates
at the start of the Civil War. The design rom 1889 and was placed on the
has been used ever since. ag in 1923.

18

North America

USA: State and overseas territory flags

The date when each state joined the Union is shown below the state name.

WEST VIRGINIA WISCONSIN
1863 1848

The coat of arms dates from 1863 when The flag is derived from the militia colors of
West Virginia seceded from Virginia. The he Union in 1863. It depicts the state
current version of the flag was adopted in eal, supported by a miner and a sailor.
1929 and has the arms within a wreath of The shield also recalls mining and sailing.
rhododendron, the state flower. The name and the date were added in 1980.

WYOMING MERICAN SAMOA
1890

The flag emerged from a design A self-governing US dependency, American
competition and was adopted in 1917. The amoa’s flag shows its links with the guardian
flag has been revised several times—at one ate, in the colors and the American bald
time the buffalo containing the arms faced agle. Here the eagle carries Samoan
the fly. The colors recall the national flag. mblems.

GUAM NORTHERN
MARIANA ISLANDS

The flag was designed locally and adopted The original flag was adopted in 1972,
in 1917. In the center of the flag, in the US ut has undergone several modifications,
colors, is the seal of the territory, which ncluding the addition of the flower-wreath.
depicts an idealized landscape. The flag can t also depicts a gray latte stone representing
only be flown with the US flag. he islands’ Chamorro culture.

PUERTO RICO VIRGIN ISLANDS
(US)

The resemblance of this flag to that of Cuba The flag dates from 1921 and uses part of the
is no coincidence, since the two were US seal, with the initials of the islands. The
designed at the same time, by the same hree arrows in one claw stand for the main
activists. This version was adopted in 1952.
lands; in the other claw is an olive branch.

19

North America

Mexico

Ratio: 4:7 Adopted: November 2, 1821 Usage: National and Civil

The basic design is Red, white, and
derived from the green are the colors
French Tricolore
of the national
liberation army in

Mexico

The coat of arms incorporates
the badge of Mexico City

North America Mexico was conquered by Spain in the 16th
century, but broke away in 1821 to form a Central
53! American state. It became a republic in 1822.

-%8)#/
'UATEMALA

France was the inspiration of those THE AZTEC INHERITANCE
who detached Mexico from Spain
in 1821 and they devised a new The central emblem is the Aztec
tricolor based on the flag of the pictogram for Tenochtitlán (now
liberation army. At that time the Mexico City), the center of their
Italian tricolor was not in use. empire. It recalls the legend which
inspired the Aztecs to settle on what
The coat of arms on the center was originally a lake-island.
stripe distinguishes the flag from
that of Italy. The form of the coat of arms was
most recently revised in 1968.

ARMS OF MEXICO Aztec legend held that
they should found their
The lake with an city on the spot where
island, represents they saw an eagle on a
cactus, eating a snake
Tenochtitlán

Ribbon in the
national colors

20

North America

Guatemala

Ratio: 5:8 Adopted: August 17, 1871 Usage: National and State

Blue and white are The coat of
the colors of the arms was adopted
original flag of the in 1968
United Provinces
of Central
America

North America

-EXICO "ELIZE Guatemala declared independence at the same
time as Mexico and, in 1823, became part of a
union with the other Central American states.

In Guatemala the flag of the United THE QUETZAL BIRD
Provinces of Central America,
horizontal stripes of blue, white, blue The new coat of arms shows the
was used until 1851, when a pro- quetzal, Guatemala’s most famous
Spanish government added the red bird, standing on a scroll giving
and yellow of Spain to the flag. On the date of the Declaration of
August 17, 1871, the original colors Independence. The present form
were restored as vertical stripes, and of the arms was adopted in 1968.
with Guatemala’s own coat of arms. When used at sea for civil purposes,
the flag does not contain the arms.

ARMS OF GUATEMALA The quetzal bird
with its distinctive
The date of the tail-feathers is a
Declaration of symbol of liberty
Independence

Rifles and swords
represent defence

of freedom

21

North America

Belize

Ratio: 3:5 Adopted: September 21, 1981 Usage: National and Civil

The coat of arms was
granted in 1907

Blue is the party The 50 leaves recall
color of the PUP 1950, the year the
PUP came to power

Red stripes were added to denote
the color of the opposition party

North America

-EXICO "%,):% Belize was originally known as British Honduras,
'UATEMALA a colony formed in 1862 from settlements on the
coast of Guatemala.

British Honduras obtained a coat of —minus the Union Jack—on a white
arms on January 28, 1907, which disc in the center. The colors were
formed the basis of the badge used on those of the People’s United Party
British ensigns. The coat of arms (pup). Around the arms was a wreath
recalls the logging industry which of 50 leaves, recalling 1950, when the
first led to British settlement there. pup came to prominence.

From 1968 onward an unofficial On independence in 1981, the
national flag was in use. It was blue flag was retained but red was added
with a modified version of the arms to stand for the opposition party.

ARMS OF BELIZE Wreath of 50 leaves

The figures, tools, and the National motto—“Sub
mahogany tree represent Umbra Floreo” meaning
the logging industry “I Flourish in the Shade”

22

North America

El Salvador

Ratio: 1:2 Adopted: May 17, 1912 Usage: National and State

The flag is The title of the
modeled on the state while it was
flag of the United part of the United
Provinces of Provinces of
Central America Central America
surrounds the
emblem

The emblem is surrounded by five flags, recalling the
original five United Provinces of Central America

North America

'UATEMALA (ONDURAS El Salvador’s flag recalls the colors of the United
Provinces of Central America, used following
%,

North America

Honduras

Ratio: 1:2 Adopted: February 16, 1866 Usage: National and Civil

The colors and
pattern are the
same as the flag
of the United
Provinces
of Central
America

Five stars recall the five original members of
the United Provinces of Central America

(/.$52!3 Honduras was one of the Spanish colonies which
formed the United Provinces of Central America
%L .ICARAGUA in 1823. It became independent in 1838.
3ALVADOR

In 1823 Honduras joined the The arms was created in 1838 and
United Provinces of Central revised in 1935. The central feature is
America and adopted their flag. a pyramid in Maya style rising from
In 1866 it was amended; five blue the sea. Around this is a band with
stars were placed in the center to the name of the state and the date of
represent the five original Central the Declaration of Independence.
American provinces. The state flag Beneath it is a landscape strewn with
has the arms of Honduras in the allegorical items representing mineral
center in place of the stars. and timber industries.

ARMS OF HONDURAS The cornucopias are
A Maya pyramid symbolic of prosperity
and agricultural wealth

The landscape depicts
mines, mining tools,
forests, and logging tools

24

North America

Nicaragua

Ratio: 3:5 Adopted: September 4, 1908 Usage: National and Civil

Apart from the Arms of Nicaragua
text around the
arms, the flag is
identical to that
of the United
Provinces of
Central America

“America Central” recalls the United
Provinces of Central America

North America Nicaragua declared independence from Spain in
1821. It was a member of the United Provinces of
(ONDURAS Central America from 1823 to 1838.
.)#!2!'5!

#OSTA

North America

Costa Rica

Ratio: 3:5 Adopted: September 29, 1848 Usage: National and State

Blue and white Red, white, and
were the colors blue recall the
of the original colors of the
flag of the United French Tricolore
Provinces of
Central America

North America Costa Rica was a signatory to the Declaration of
Independence from Spain in 1821, joining the
.ICARAGUA United Provinces of Central America (1823–1838).
#/34!

The Central American flag remained the red stripe, and later on
in use in Costa Rica until 1848 when, an oval, set toward the hoist.
in response to events in France, it was
decided to incorporate the French The coat of arms depicts the
colors into the national flag. This was isthmus between the Pacific Ocean
done by adding a central red stripe. and the Caribbean Sea. The stars
The coat of arms was also revised and stand for the seven provinces and
placed in the center of the flag. In the Central American union is
1906, it was placed in a white disc on recalled by “America Central” on the
upper scroll.

ARMS OF COSTA RICA “America Central”
recalls the former
The Caribbean Sea United Provinces of
Three volcanoes on Central America

the isthmus Seven stars for the
seven provinces

The Pacific Ocean

26

North America

Panama

Ratio: 2:3 Adopted: November 3, 1903 Usage: National and Civil

Although Blue was the
inspired by color of the
the Stars and Conservatives
Stripes, the stars and red that of
and quarters are the Liberals
said to represent
the two main
political parties

White symbolizes peace in the country

North America Panama, originally a province of Colombia, was
detached in 1903 to secure the building of the
#OSTA

North America

Jamaica “Hardships
there are but
Ratio: 1:2 Adopted: August 6, 1962 Usage: National and Civil
the land is
Black, green, green and the
and yellow sun shineth”
are also pan-
African colors is the local
explanation of
Black reflects
hardships the flag

Green represents Yellow recalls the

the land sun shining

North America

(AITI Jamaica was a British colony from 1655 until 1962.
From 1958 onward it was part of the West Indies
#UBA Federation, which was dissolved in 1962.

*!-!)#! $OMINICAN
2EP

The present design emerged a British colony. It was used on the
from those sent in by the public former British flags of Jamaica.
in a national competition. It was
originally designed with horizontal THE QUEEN’S STANDARD
stripes, but this was too similar to
the then Tanganyikan flag, and so The flag for HM Queen Elizabeth II,
the saltire was substituted. was introduced after independence.
It contains a banner of the arms, with
The coat of arms, based on those the Queen’s Cypher in the center.
granted to Jamaica on February 3, The field depicts the red Cross of
1663, is among the oldest granted to St. George charged with pineapples.

BANNER OF THE St. George’s Cross
QUEEN OF JAMAICA
The four pineapples and
The Royal Cypher ross are taken from the
is enclosed within a Arms of Jamaica

chaplet of roses

28

Cuba North America

Ratio: 1:2 Adopted: May 20, 1902 Usage: National and Civil The design is
based on the
“La Estrella US Stars and
Solitaria”—
the Lone Star Stripes

The triangle comes from the
Masonic symbol for equality

North America

53! "AHAMAS Cuba, the only communist state in the Americas,
#5"! (AITI was a Spanish colony until 1898, when it was
ceded to the USA. It gained independence in 1902.

The flag was designed in 1848 for the provinces of the time. The flag was
liberation movement, which sought briefly hoisted in 1850 at Cardenas,
to detach Cuba from Spain and make but was not officially adopted until
it into a state of the USA. The Lone 1902, when independence was
Star represented another star which granted by the USA.
would be added to “the splendid
North American constellation.” Another flag from the 19th century
is that of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes,
The triangle is derived from the used by the independence movement
Masonic symbol for equality, while of 1868–78. It is now used as the Jack
the five stripes stand for the five of the Cuban navy.

FLAG OF CÉSPEDES

The flag is like that of This flag was also
Chile with the blue modeled on the Stars
and red reversed and Stripes, using the
same colors: blue, red,
and white and a star in

the canton

29

North America Blue
recalls the
Bahamas Caribbean
Sea
Ratio: 1:2 Adopted: July 10, 1973 Usage: National

Black
represents
the strength
of the people

Yellow reflects the
islands’ sandy beaches

Originally a pirate base, the Bahamas became a
formal British colony in 1783. It did not achieve
independence until July 10, 1973.

The colors of the flag are intended to seen, since many ships are registered
represent the aquamarine seas around in the Bahamas. The flag is based on
the islands and their golden sands. the British Red Ensign—red with
The flag is based on designs by the a Bahamian national flag in the
Bahamian people. Many of those canton—but is distinguished by the
submitted also included the idea of white cross, like the Cross of
sunrise, which has been incorporated St. George, across the red field.
into the coat of arms.
The Bahamas has many other
The Bahamas Civil Ensign flags including one for the specific
(flown by merchant ships) is often use of the Prime Minister.

BAHAMAS CIVIL ENSIGN

The national flag is The civil ensign is
placed in the canton distinguished from
government and
naval ensigns by
its red field

30

Haiti North America

Ratio: 3:5 Adopted: May 18, 1803 Usage: National and Civil Blue and red
are taken from
For official and
state purposes the the French
flag is charged Tricolore
with the national
arms on a central
white rectangle

North America

#UBA (!)4) Haiti became a French colony in 1697, but in 1803
a rebellion broke out. Independence was granted on
$OMINICAN January 1, 1804.
2EPUBLIC

The blue and red of the flag were period from 1964–86, during the
retained after a French Tricolore was regime of the Duvalier family.
torn up by the rebel Jean-Jacques
Dessalines in 1803. The two parts Since 1843 the flag for official
were stitched together horizontally and state use has had the arms on a
to make a new flag. white panel in the center. The coat of
arms depicts a trophy of weapons
However a rival flag of vertical ready to defend freedom, and a royal
black and red panels was also used at palm topped with a Cap of Liberty
various times, most recently in the for the country’s independence.

ARMS OF HAITI The Cap of Liberty

Weapons reflect the The royal palm
people’s willingness to symbolizes
independence
defend their liberty
The national motto—
“L’Union Fait La
Force” meaning
“Union is Strength”

31

North America

Dominican Republic

Ratio: 2:3 Adopted: November 6, 1844 Usage: National and State

Blue and red The coat of arms
are taken from only appears on the
the flag of Haiti, flag for national and
which once state use
controlled the
Dominican
Republic

The cross of the Trinitarian
independence movement

North America A Spanish colony, briefly occupied by Haiti (1820–44),
the Trinitarian movement was formed to free the
$/-).)#!. country. Dominican Republic was liberated in 1844.
#UBA 2%05",)#

(AITI

The flag was designed by the leader in 1844, was placed on the state flag.
of the Trinitarians. He altered the The civil flag, on both land and sea,
layout of the blue and red of the does not carry the arms.
Haitian flag, placing a large white
cross over it to symbolize faith. The arms depicts a Bible open at
the first chapter of St. John’s Gospel.
A DISTINCTIVE NATIONAL FLAG This is placed on a trophy of national
flags, on a shield of the same design.
To create distinct flags for state and The Trinitarian motto is above this
civil use, the coat of arms, adopted and the name of the state below.

ARMS OF HAITI The password of the
Trinitarian movement—
Gospel of St. John, a “Dios, Patria, Libertad”
Trinitarian emblem (“God, Country,
Freedom”)
The lower scroll
contains the state title

32

North America

St. Kitts & Nevis

Ratio: 2:3 Adopted: September 19, 1983 Usage: National and Civil

Green is symbolic of
the fertile land

Two stars for
hope and liberty

Black recalls St. Red recalls the
Kitts’ African struggle for freedom
heritage
Yellow reflects the
country’s sunny climate

Rico ST. KITTS A British colony in the Leeward Islands since 1873,
& NEVIS the islands of St. Kitts and Nevis gained
Dominica independence together in 1983.

The flag was the winning entry in a liberty, not for the islands of
local competition which attracted
258 entries, and was the work of a St. Kitts and Nevis.
student, Edrice Lewis. It was she
who gave what is now the official THE FLAG OF NEVIS
interpretation of the flag—that its
colors stand for the fertile land, year- The island of Nevis has a flag of its
round sunshine, the struggle for own, which is bright yellow, with a
freedom, and the African heritage. stylized image of Nevis Peak. The
The two stars stand for hope and national flag is in the canton.

St. Kitts also has an ensign for the
Coast Guard.

THE FLAG OF NEVIS

National flag in canton

Yellow for year-long A graphic representation
sunshine of Nevis Peak, a cone-
shaped mountain in the
center of the island

33

North America

Antigua & Barbuda

Ratio: 2:3 Adopted: February 27, 1967 Usage: National and Civil

Black recalls the The V-shape is the
islands’ African symbol of victory

heritage The rising sun
represents a new era
White
symbolizes hope

Blue represents the
Caribbean Sea

0UERTO From 1632 until formal independence was granted in
2ICO
1981, Antigua and its neighbor Barbuda were

British colonies.

The flag dates from the achievement Barbuda, does not have a separate
of self-government in 1967 and was flag, although there is one for
the winning design in a competition Redonda, an uninhabited island
which over 600 local people entered. whose “throne” is claimed by several
rival “monarchs.”
THE SYMBOLISM OF THE FLAG
THE NATIONAL ARMS
The designer, Reginald Samuel,
interpreted it as representing the sun The coat of arms was granted in 1977
rising against the background of the and depicts a shield with a sugar mill,
peoples’ African heritage in a new once the primary industry, on a
era. The overall V-shape stands for background of white and blue waves.
victory. It is on a red background Above this is a sun on a black
which symbolizes the dynamism of background. The shield stands on a
the population. Blue is for the sea and sea island. The crest is a pineapple
white is for hope. from the arms of the former colony
of the Leeward Islands, of which
THE NEW NATIONAL FLAG Antigua was once a part. Beneath
is a scroll with the national motto—
The flag was retained unchanged “Each endeavouring, all achieving.”
when Antigua became independent.

34

North America

Dominica

Ratio: 1:2 Adopted: November 3, 1978 Usage: National and Civil

Yellow recalls White
the original symbolizes the
inhabitants region’s pure
water
Black is for the
fertile soil The sisserou
parrot—unique
to Dominica

The stars represent the
ten parishes

0UERTO First colonized by the French, Dominica came
2ICO under British control in 1759. It became a British
Associated State in 1967 and independent in 1978.
$/-).)#!
-ARTINIQUE

The flag adopted in 1978 features Christian faith and its three colors
the national bird emblem, the recall the native Indians, the fertile
sisserou parrot, which also appears on soil, and the pure water. The ten
the coat of arms granted July 21, stars stand for the ten parishes and
1961. This parrot is unique to the red disc for social justice.
Dominica. It is an endangered
species; only a few pairs remain. The flag of the President has a
dark green field with the coat of arms
The green field represents the in the center, crowned with a British
lush vegetation of the island. The lion. It depicts palm trees, an
cross represents the Trinity and the indigenous frog and the sea.

THE PRESIDENT’S FLAG

The national motto is in The supporters are
Creole—“Aprés Bondie two sisserou parrots

C’est La Ter” meaning
“After the good Lord
(we love) the soil”

35

North America

St. Lucia

Ratio: 1:2 Adopted: March 1, 1967 Usage: National and Civil

The blue field
represents
the sea

This symbol
represents twin
peaks of the
Pitons, famous
volcanic
mountains

North America St. Lucia, first settled in 1605, was fought over by
the French and the British, finally being ceded to
ST. LUCIA Britain in 1814. It became independent in 1979.
St. Vincent &
The Grenadines

The flag was adopted when St. Lucia on white, for the twin cultures of
became a British Associated State in the island. On independence, the
1967. It was designed by a local artist, flag was retained, but the height of
Dunstan St. Omer. The blue field the yellow triangle was increased.
represents the sea, from which arise
the twin peaks of the Pitons said to A new form of the arms was also
be “rising sheer out of the sea and adopted, symbolizing the national
looking skyward—a symbol of motto: “The Land, the People, the
hope.” The yellow triangle stands for Light.” Apart from the Governor-
sunshine and the black arrowhead General’s flag and that of the capital,
Castries, no other flags are known.

THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S
STANDARD

The state’s title is The British Royal
placed on the scroll Crest of a crowned
lion standing on a
St. Edward’s Crown

36

North America

St. Vincent & the Grenadines

Ratio: 2:3 Adopted: October 12, 1985 Usage: National and Civil

Blue recalls the sky Green represents the
islands’ abundant
vegetation

Yellow represents
sunshine

The “Gems of
the Antilles”

North America St. Vincent was occupied by the British in 1762.
It achieved independence in 1979, together with
ST. VINCENT the Grenadines, a chain of adjacent islands.
& THE

GRENADINES

The basic design and colors of the A NEW NATIONAL FLAG
flag date from the flag hoisted on
the day of independence in 1979. It After a local competition failed to
had the arms of the islands placed produce a satisfactory design, the
on a stylized breadfruit leaf in the problem was submitted to a Swiss
center. Its blue, yellow, and green graphic artist who suggested what is
stripes were derived from the now the current design. In this, the
common colors of the flags assigned “V” formed by the diamonds stands
to the Associated States by the for St. Vincent, and the diamonds
College of Arms. The breadfruit represent its local sobriquet the
recalled the British introduction of “Gems of the Antilles.”
the breadfruit tree into the
Caribbean from the South Seas. ARMS OF ST. VINCENT

Although this first flag was The coat of arms was first introduced
designed by a local islander, the in 1912. It depicts two women, one
design did not please all the people of standing holding an olive branch, the
St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and, other kneeling to represent peace and
in 1985, moves were made to secure justice, which is the national motto—
a new design. “Pax, Justitia.” This appears on a
scroll at the base.

37

North America

Barbados

Ratio: 2:3 Adopted: November 30, 1966 Usage: National and Civil

Blue represents
the sea

The broken trident
represents a break
with the past

Gold reflects the golden
sands of Barbados

North America Barbados was first settled by the British in 1627. It
became a colony and achieved self-government in
St. Vincent 1961 and independence in 1966.
& The

Grenadines

The current flag was adopted at the ARMS OF BARBADOS
time of independence. It was the
winning design in a national The coat of arms was granted by
competition, won by Grantley HM Queen Elizabeth II in 1966,
Prescod, a local art teacher. on a visit to the island. The shield
depicts a bearded fig tree, after which
THE SYMBOLISM OF THE FLAG the island takes its name, between two
“Pride of Barbados” flowers. The crest
Prescod interpreted the stripes as is an arm holding two sugarcanes in
representing the blue seas and the the form of a St. Andrew’s Cross. This
golden sands which surround the commemorates independence, which
island. The trident is adapted from the was achieved on St. Andrew’s Day,
previous flag-badge which depicted November 30, in 1966.
Britannia holding a trident (symbolic
of her rule over the seas). Here the Barbados also has a Governor’s
trident is without a shaft, indicating a standard. It is the same as that of the
break with the colonial past. It is also Governor of St. Lucia, which features
the emblem of the sea god, Neptune, the Royal Crest of England with
and reflects the importance of the British lion (see page 36), except that it
sea to Barbados. bears the title “Barbados” on the scroll
beneath the Royal Crest.

38

North America

Grenada

Ratio: 3:5 Adopted: February 7, 1974 Usage: National and Civil

A nutmeg, The central star
Grenada’s most and disc represent
famous product the capital
St. George’s

The six outer stars stand
for the six parishes

North America First settled by France, Grenada was invaded by
Britain in 1762. It became an Associated State in
St. Vincent & 1967 and fully independent in 1974.
The Grenadines

The flag used prior to independence agriculture. When the flag is used
in 1967 also featured a nutmeg, at sea its proportions are altered from
since Grenada is a major world 3:5 to a longer form (1:2).
supplier of this commodity, and is
known as the “Spice Island.” THE NATIONAL ARMS

Other features of the flag derive The coat of arms depicts the
from the coat of arms granted on Santa Maria, Columbus’ ship,
December 6, 1973, including the a lion representing national liberty,
red, yellow, and green colors. and a lily emblem symbolizing
the Virgin Mary. The shield is
SYMBOLISM OF THE FLAG supported by two characteristic local
creatures, an armadillo and a ramier
The yellow star on a red disc stands pigeon. Beneath the shield is a
for the Borough of St. George’s, representation of the Grand Etang
Grenada’s capital, and the other six lake, and, on a scroll at the base,
stars for the remaining six parishes. what must be one of the world’s
longest national mottos: “Ever
In the official interpretation the conscious of God we aspire, build
red stands for courage and vitality, and advance as one people.”
the yellow for wisdom and warmth,
and the green for vegetation and

39

North America

Trinidad & Tobago

Ratio: 3:5 Adopted: August 31, 1962 Usage: National and Civil

White represents
the sea

Black symbolizes
the strength of
the people

Red stands for
the people

North America

'RENADA 42).)$!$ Trinidad and Tobago were separate British
colonies, which united in 1889. They became
independent in 1962 and a republic in 1976.

The flag adopted at independence of arms depicts the three ships of
was chosen from among designs sent Columbus who landed here in 1498.
in by the public. The same colors are Above the ships are two golden
used in the arms. hummingbirds. The supporters of the
coat of arms are also local birds and
A flag for HM Queen Elizabeth II the whole shield stands on a scene
was adopted after independence, depicting waves breaking against
but it became obsolete following the the rocky coasts of the islands.
formation of the republic.
Trinidad also has flags for the
The President has a flag of blue Prime Minister and other ministers.
with the arms in the center. The coat

THE PRESIDENT’S FLAG

The top of the The cocrico—
shield depicts two a local bird

hummingbirds In 1498 Columbus
discovered Trinidad
The scarlet ibis is one and his ships appear
of many local birds on the shield

40

South America

Colombia The original yellow
band was doubled in
Ratio: 2:3 Adopted: December 17, 1819 Usage: National width when Greater
Colombia was formed
The colors are
those of Francisco Yellow recalls
de Miranda, the the federation of
liberation leader Greater Colombia

Red represents Blue represents
courage independence from Spain

South America Following years of Spanish rule, Colombia
became part of independent Greater Colombia in
0ANAMA 1819, and then a separate republic in 1830.

#/,/-")!
%CUADOR
0ERU

The flag of Greater Colombia, used to distinguish it from the flag
adopted in 1819, was retained by of Ecuador. The state flag and naval
Colombia after independence in 1830. ensign have the arms in the center.
For a while the stripes were arranged
vertically, but the original version THE NATIONAL ARMS
was restored in 1861.
The coat of arms dates from 1834.
There are two variant flags. The It includes a pomegranate, the
civil ensign has a red-bordered, blue symbol of Granada in Spain, after
oval bearing a white star in the center, which the area was once named.

ARMS OF COLOMBIA The crest is a condor
National motto— frequently used in South
American heraldry
“Libertad y Orden”
meaning “Liberty A pomegranate recalls
and Order” New Granada,
Colombia’s former name
The Cap of Liberty when a Spanish colony

A map of the
Isthmus of Panama

41

South America

Venezuela

Ratio: 2:3 Adopted: March 10, 2006 Usage: National and Civil

The flag is most Stars represent the
similar to that of eight provinces
liberation leader that supported
Francisco de independence
Miranda

Red symbolizes
courage

Blue represents Venezuela’s
independence from Spain

South America Venezuela was once part of the Spanish province
of New Granada. It then joined Greater Colombia
6%.%:5%,! from 1819 until independence in 1830.
'UYANA

#OLOMBIA
"RAZIL

The Venezuelan flag was the double width, for use as the flag
invention of Francisco de Miranda, of Greater Colombia.
who initiated the freedom of
New Granada in 1806. At that time After independence in 1836,
it had no stars; they were added in the flag reverted to stripes of
1836 to symbolize the provinces equal width and the stars were
that had supported the Declaration added. The coat of arms dates
of Independence in 1811. The from the 19th century but has
original plain tricolor was altered altered frequently, especially the
in 1819, to make the yellow inscription. The present form dates
from 2006.

ARMS OF VENEZUELA Two horns of plenty
symbolize abundance
The wheatsheaf
represents fertility The flag and weapons
represent independence and
A running horse the Native American people
symbolizes liberty

The name of the state, The arms appear in the
“Republica Bolivariana canton of the state flag
and naval ensign
de Venezuela”

42

South America

Guyana Green recalls
the vast forests
Ratio: 3:5 Adopted: May 20, 1966 Usage: National and Civil and fields

Red recalls the The “Golden
people’s dynamism Arrow” represents
and zeal for reform a bright future

Yellow is symbolic
of mineral wealth

The white and black fimbriations
were added by the College of Arms

South America Guyana was acquired by the UK in 1814. It
became independent in 1966 and a republic within
Venezuela the Commonwealth in 1970.
GUYANA
Suriname

Brazil

The flag is known as the “Golden “zeal and dynamism [of the
Arrow” because of the arrow-head inhabitants] in building the nation.”
that flies across the green field. The
original design had a red field, but THE PRESIDENT’S STANDARD
this was altered by the College of
Arms in 1966, which also added the Adopted in 1970, it is a banner of the
black and white fimbriations. arms granted in 1966. It depicts a green
shield in the center charged with an
The green and yellow stand for Native American crown in gold, a
natural resources and the red for the Victoria lily and a native pheasant.

THE PRESIDENT’S
STANDARD

The President’s flag A Victoria Regia
was adopted in 1970, water lily, growing from
it is a square banner stylized heraldic water
of the arms
A native canje pheasant
Crown of a cacique, or
Native American chief

43

South America

Suriname

Ratio: 2:3 Adopted: November 25, 1975 Usage: National and Civil

Green and red were The white
the colors of the fimbriations represent
political parties justice and freedom
at the time of
independence

The star is an emblem
of unity and hope

South America

'UYANA &RENCH Suriname was part of the Dutch kingdom until
'UIANA 1975. Since independence, there have been a series
of coups and changes of constitution.
352).!-%

"RAZIL

The flag was chosen in 1975 by a separating the red and green, stand
parliamentary commission, on the for justice and freedom.
basis of designs sent in by the
public. The object was to choose a THE PRESIDENT’S STANDARD
flag which harmonized the colors of
the main political groups (green and This has a white panel in place of
red) into a design suggestive of unity the star and contains the state arms.
and progress. The star is thus the The coat of arms dates back to the
emblem of unity and hope for the 17th century and the time of Dutch
future, and the white fimbriations, rule, but was revised in 1959 and
again in 1975.

THE PRESIDENT’S
STANDARD

On the shield, a ship The supporters
reflects commerce, a are Native Americans

diamond, mining, and a The national motto—
tree, agriculture “Justitia, Pietas, Fides”
meaning “Justice, Peace,
Faith”

44

South America

Ecuador Yellow is
the color of
Ratio: 1:2 Adopted: September 26, 1860 Usage: National federation

Yellow, blue Blue recalls
and red are independence
the colors of from Spain
Francisco de
Miranda

Red symbolizes
courage

South America

#OLOMBIA Ecuador, formerly a Spanish colony, joined the
state of Greater Colombia in 1822. It seceded from
%#5!$/2 the federation in 1830 to form a republic.
'ALAPAGOS
)SLANDS

0ERU "RAZIL

The 1819 flag of Greater Colombia arms, making it almost identical to
was restored in Ecuador in 1860 and the flag of Colombia, except for its
since then the flags of Ecuador and proportions. When used abroad, the
Colombia have been very similar. flag always contains the arms.
The national arms were added to the
center of the basic civil flag in 1900, ARMS OF ECUADOR
creating a distinct flag for national
and state purposes. The civil flag on The coat of arms dates from 1845
land and sea does not contain the and depicts Mount Chimborazo
and the mouth of the Guyas River.

ARMS OF ECUADOR An Andean condor
symbolizes bravery
Four signs of the Zodiac and liberty
represent the months from
A ship at the mouth
March to May of the Guyas River
representing commerce
An allegorical scene depicts
Mount Chimborazo, South The ax and fasces are
symbols of republicanism
America’s highest peak

45

South America

Peru

Ratio: 2:3 Adopted: February 25, 1825 Usage: National and Civil

Red and white are The colors also
the colors chosen by recall those of the
San Martín, Incas, who ruled
“El Liberador”
(the Liberator) much of Peru
until European

colonization

South America

%CUADOR #OLOMBIA Peru was freed from Spanish rule in 1819 by an
army led by José de San Martín. Since 1824 it has
0%25 "RAZIL been an independent unitary republic.

#HILE "OLIVIA

The colors chosen by San Martín for Spanish colonies, the official flag,
the Peruvian Legion were red and used by the government and the
white, said to be the colors of the armed forces, has the coat of arms in
Inca Empire, and the rising sun, also the center.
dating back to the Incas. The flag
assumed its present form, dropping The coat of arms dates from 1825
the sun in 1825, at the behest of and depicts a cornucopia, a chichona
Simón Bolívar, another famous tree, and a llama, surrounded by state
liberator. As is usual in former flags. The flags do not appear on the
arms placed on the official flag.

ARMS OF PERU A llama

On the coat of arms, the A chichona tree
wreaths are substituted
for national flags This is how the coat
of arms appears in the
A cornucopia center of the official
symbolizing prosperity flag and ensign

46