Costa Rica’s flag has five horizontal bands in blue, white, red, white and blue, with the central red band twice the height of each of the other stripes. The state flag adds the national coat of arms toward the hoist.

What does the Costa Rican flag look like?

The stripe proportions are 1:1:2:1:1. The civil flag is plain, while the official state version includes the coat of arms on the red stripe.

History of the flag

The present color arrangement was created in 1848 during the presidency of José María Castro Madriz. Pacífica Fernández Oreamuno, the president’s wife, is traditionally credited with helping design the new flag. The French tricolour is often cited as an influence during a period when republican ideals were admired across the Americas.

What do the colors mean?

Official and traditional explanations associate blue with the sky and ideals, white with peace and wisdom, and red with warmth, generosity and the sacrifices made in defence of freedom.

Costa Rica flag facts

• Current color arrangement: 1848
• Colors: blue, white and red
• Stripe pattern: 1:1:2:1:1
• State flag: includes the coat of arms