Flag variants
Dominican Republic National Flag vs Merchant Flag: What Is the Difference?
Compare the state flag with the merchant version and see why the coat of arms is the key distinction between the two Dominican designs.
National flagMerchant version omits the arms
1
The Dominican national flag
The national flag has alternating ultramarine-blue and vermilion-red quarters divided by a white cross. The national coat of arms appears at the center of the cross.
2
The merchant flag
Official Dominican guidance states that the merchant flag uses the same basic design but without the national coat of arms in the center.
3
What is the practical difference?
| Feature | National flag | Merchant flag |
|---|---|---|
| Blue/red quarters | Yes | Yes |
| White cross | Yes | Yes |
| Coat of arms | Yes | No |
| Ratio | 2:3 | Same basic layout |
Quick distinction: if the central coat of arms is present, you are looking at the national flag; the merchant flag omits it.
?
Flag variants FAQ
Does the merchant flag use different colors?
No. It keeps the same red, blue and white arrangement.
What does it remove?
The national coat of arms at the center.
Sources and further reading
MIREX — National Symbols and Merchant Flag
Presidency — National Symbols
MIREX — National Symbols and Merchant Flag
Presidency — National Symbols
