Complete Flags of the World

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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. Discover more at www.dk.com

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