Laos Flag: Meaning, Colors, History & Facts
Laos’s national flag has two red bands, a wider dark-blue centre band and a white disc. The present design became the flag of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in 1975.
What does the Laos flag look like?
The flag is a red-blue-red horizontal triband. The central dark-blue stripe is twice the height of either red stripe, and a large white disc sits in the middle.
What does the white disc mean?
The white disc is commonly associated with the unity of the Lao people and is often described as a full moon over the Mekong River. The official National Assembly description focuses on its size and placement rather than prescribing one exclusive legal meaning.
What do the colors mean?
Red is widely associated with sacrifices made during the struggle for independence, while blue is commonly linked with national prosperity and the Mekong. White reinforces the central unifying symbol.
What are the official proportions?
The overall ratio is 2:3. The red-blue-red band relationship is 1:2:1, and the white disc is sized relative to the central blue stripe.
How did the flag develop?
The current design first appeared with the Lao Issara independence movement in 1945. During the royal period, Laos used a different red flag featuring a three-headed white elephant. The red-blue-red design returned when the Lao People’s Democratic Republic was proclaimed on December 2, 1975.
Read the full Laos flag history →
How can you identify Laos’s flag?
Look for one large white disc centred in a broad blue band, with narrower red stripes above and below. No stars, text or coat of arms appear on the national flag.
Laos flag facts
| Colors | Red, dark blue, white |
|---|---|
| Central symbol | White disc |
| Band ratio | 1:2:1 |
| Overall ratio | 2:3 |
| Current state use | Since December 2, 1975 |
How is Laos’s flag different from nearby flags?
Laos stands out in mainland Southeast Asia because it uses a large white disc rather than stars, temple imagery or a coat of arms. Cambodia’s flag contains Angkor Wat, Thailand uses five horizontal stripes, and Vietnam uses a yellow star on red.
Why is the white disc so visually important?
The disc sits against the darkest part of the flag, giving the design a strong central focal point. It also keeps the flag recognizable at small sizes and from a distance.
Laos flag FAQ
Is the white circle a moon?
It is commonly interpreted as a full moon over the Mekong and as a symbol of national unity.
When was the current flag adopted?
December 2, 1975, after having first appeared in 1945.
Does Laos use a star on its flag?
No. The central symbol is a white disc.
