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 colors mean?
Represents the Pacific and Atlantic oceans surrounding Central America.
Represents peace.
3 How did the flag develop?
El Salvador’s blue-and-white tradition dates to 1822 and the early independence period. The colors later formed part of the flag of the United Provinces of Central America. In 1865 El Salvador adopted a different striped flag with a red canton and stars, before returning to the blue-white-blue pattern on May 17, 1912.
4 What is in the coat of arms?
The 1912 coat of arms by Rafael Barraza Rodríguez contains an equilateral triangle, five volcanoes, two seas, a Phrygian cap, a rainbow, five flags and 14 laurel branches. The five volcanoes refer to the historic Central American states, while the 14 laurels represent El Salvador’s departments.
5 Why do some El Salvador flags look different?
The government version carries the national coat of arms. Non-government users may display the national motto “Dios, Unión, Libertad” in gold letters across the white band instead.
6 El Salvador flag proportions
| Official length | 3.25 m |
|---|---|
| Official height | 1.89 m |
| Band height | 0.63 m each |
| Layout | Three equal horizontal bands |
| Approx. width-to-height ratio | 1.72:1 |
7 How is the flag regulated?
El Salvador’s 1972 Law of National Symbols consolidated rules for the flag, coat of arms and anthem. It regulates respectful use, public ceremonies, personal use and protocol.
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.
