Belize Flag: Meaning, 50 Leaves, Coat of Arms & History

The national flag has a royal-blue field with a narrow red horizontal border at the top and bottom. At the center is a white circle containing Belize’s national coat of arms, surrounded by a wreath of fifty green leaves.

The wreath contains 50 leaves to commemorate 1950, the year associated with the beginning of Belize’s modern independence movement. The number is intentional, not decorative. For the symbolism of the wreath and the two human figures, see why the Belize flag has 50 leaves and two people.

The central coat of arms combines a mahogany tree, timber-working tools, a sailing ship, two Belizean supporters and the motto Sub Umbra Floreo (“Under the Shade I Flourish”). The emblem reflects the historic importance of forestry, labour and maritime trade. See our Belize coat of arms guide for every element.

The standardized design shows two Belizean supporters beside the shield, one holding a beating axe and the other a paddle. Their presence connects the national emblem with Belizean labour, forestry and maritime history. The 50 leaves and two people guide explains the figures in context.

The modern flag grew from the blue-and-white independence movement design and was broadened into a national symbol by adding red borders before independence. It became the national flag on September 21, 1981. More recently, the National Symbols Act 2025 standardized important details of the design. See the full Belize flag history.

The standardized flag uses a 3:5 ratio with blue and red as its principal field colors and a white central disc carrying the coat of arms. For Pantone references, border measurements and circle dimensions, use the Belize flag colors and dimensions guide. For construction, see how to draw the Belize flag.

The 2025 law formally standardized the national symbols and set rules around official design, use and licensing. For the legal details, exemptions and commercial-use provisions, see our Belize National Symbols Act 2025 guide.