Dominican Republic Flag: Meaning, Cross, Coat of Arms & History

A broad white cross reaches all four edges and divides the flag into four quarters. The upper hoist and lower fly quarters are ultramarine blue, while the upper fly and lower hoist quarters are vermilion red. The national coat of arms appears at the center.

Ultramarine blue is associated with the sky, divine protection and ideals of progress; red recalls the blood shed in the struggle for independence; and white represents peace and union. For the detailed symbolism, see the Dominican Republic flag colors guide.

Juan Pablo Duarte conceived the original design within the Trinitarian independence movement, and the first flag was raised on February 27, 1844. The Constitution later formalized the alternating red and blue quarters. Read the full Dominican Republic flag history for the 1844 design and later evolution.

The national emblem includes an open Bible, a cross, national flags, spears, laurel and palm branches, and the motto Dios, Patria, Libertad. For the Bible passage, heraldic elements and motto, see the Dominican Republic coat of arms guide.

The merchant flag keeps the same red, white and blue layout but omits the national coat of arms. That central emblem is the clearest visual distinction between the two variants. See the national vs merchant flag guide for the comparison.