El Salvador Flag: Meaning, Coat of Arms, History, Proportions & Facts
Explore El Salvador’s blue-white-blue flag, its 1912 restoration, official proportions, coat of arms, civil motto version and the law governing its use.
1 What does the El Salvador flag look like?
The national flag is a horizontal blue-white-blue tricolor. The government and military version places the national coat of arms at the center of the white stripe.
The official dimensions given by the Presidency are 3.25 metres long by 1.89 metres high, with each horizontal band measuring 0.63 metres in height.
2 What do the El Salvador flag colors mean?
Blue represents the waters surrounding Central America, while white represents peace. For the official symbolism and the role of the national motto on non-government versions, see the El Salvador flag colors guide.
3 How did the El Salvador flag develop?
El Salvador’s blue-and-white tradition dates to the early independence era and the Central American federation. After using a different striped-and-stars design from 1865, the country restored the blue-white-blue flag on May 17, 1912. Read the full El Salvador flag history.
4 What is in the El Salvador coat of arms?
The 1912 emblem includes five volcanoes, two seas, a Phrygian cap, rainbow, flags and laurel branches. The volcanoes recall the historic Central American states, while the laurels correspond to El Salvador’s departments. See the El Salvador coat of arms guide for every symbol.
5 Why do some El Salvador flags look different?
The government version carries the coat of arms, while other authorized versions may display the motto Dios, Unión, Libertad across the white band. The distinction is explained further in the flag etiquette and law guide.
6 El Salvador flag proportions
Official specifications use three equal horizontal blue-white-blue bands. For exact measurements, emblem placement and a practical construction sequence, see how to draw the El Salvador flag.
7 How is the El Salvador flag regulated?
El Salvador’s Law of National Symbols governs use of the flag, coat of arms and anthem, including respectful display and official protocol. For the detailed rules, see the El Salvador flag etiquette and law guide.
Explore the El Salvador flag cluster
8 El Salvador flag FAQ
When was the current flag restored?
On May 17, 1912. It was first formally raised on September 15 of that year.
What do the blue stripes represent?
The Pacific and Atlantic oceans bordering Central America.
Why do some flags show text instead of the coat of arms?
Non-government versions may use the motto “Dios, Unión, Libertad” in gold.
Who designed the coat of arms?
Rafael Barraza Rodríguez in 1912.
What are the official flag dimensions?
3.25 metres long by 1.89 metres high.
