Central America
Guatemala
A vertical triband of light blue, white and light blue with the national coat of arms centered in the white band. The current basic design dates from the Liberal Reform of 1871, while the coat of arms was created the same year.
Adopted
1871
Proportion
5:8
Colours
5
Colours & their meaning
Light blue
Often said to represent the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, and the sky over Guatemala.
White
Often said to represent peace and purity.
Green
In the coat of arms, no separate official flag-colour symbolism is universally fixed.
Red
In the coat of arms, no separate official flag-colour symbolism is universally fixed.
Gold
In the coat of arms, no separate official flag-colour symbolism is universally fixed.
Symbols & emblems
Quetzal
The resplendent quetzal symbolizes liberty.
Scroll
The scroll bears the date 15 de Septiembre de 1821, marking Central America’s independence from Spain.
Crossed rifles and swords
The rifles signify readiness to defend the nation, while the swords represent honor.
Laurel wreath
The wreath symbolizes victory.
Did you know?
Guatemala is unusual among former Central American federation states because its blue-white-blue triband is vertical rather than horizontal.