Laos’s national flag has red-blue-red horizontal bands with a large white disc in the centre of the wider blue stripe. The design became the state flag in 1975.

What does the Laos flag look like?

The central blue band is twice the height of each red band. A white circle sits in the middle of the blue area.

What does the white disc mean?

The disc is often interpreted as the full moon over the Mekong River and as a symbol of national unity. Red represents the sacrifices made in the struggle for independence, while blue is associated with national prosperity and the Mekong.

History of the flag

The design was created during the anti-colonial Lao Issara movement in the 1940s. It later became associated with the Pathet Lao and was adopted as the national flag when the Lao People’s Democratic Republic was proclaimed in December 1975.

Laos flag facts

• Colors: red, blue and white
• Current adoption: 1975
• Central symbol: white disc
• Historic movement: Lao Issara