Nicaragua’s national flag is a horizontal blue-white-blue tricolour with the national coat of arms centred in the white band. Its design comes from the nineteenth-century Central American federation.

What does the Nicaragua flag look like?

The flag has three equal horizontal stripes. At the centre is a triangle containing five volcanoes, a rainbow and a Phrygian cap, surrounded by the words identifying the Republic of Nicaragua and Central America.

Meaning of the coat of arms

The five volcanoes represent the five original member states of the former Central American federation. The rainbow is associated with peace and the red liberty cap with freedom. The triangle traditionally represents equality.

History of the flag

Nicaragua inherited blue and white from the United Provinces of Central America. The present basic flag dates from the early twentieth century and was later given detailed legal specifications.

Nicaragua flag facts

• Colors: blue and white
• Central emblem: triangular coat of arms
• Volcanoes: five
• Regional heritage: former Central American federation