Guatemala Flag: Meaning, Quetzal, Coat of Arms, Ratio & History
Explore Guatemala’s blue-white-blue flag, the quetzal and independence scroll in its coat of arms, the official 5:8 ratio, the 1871 design and August 17 Flag Day.
What does the Guatemala flag look like?
The flag has three equal vertical bands of blue, white and blue. Guatemala’s national coat of arms is centered on the white band.
What do the blue and white colors mean?
Official civic explanations associate blue with strength, justice, truth and loyalty, as well as Guatemala’s sky and surrounding waters. White represents purity, peace, integrity, firmness and light.
What is shown in the coat of arms?
History of the Guatemala flag
Guatemala became independent from Spain in 1821 and later formed part of the Federal Republic of Central America, where blue and white were prominent regional colors. Several flag arrangements followed during the nineteenth century.
The current vertical blue-white-blue arrangement was established on August 17, 1871 under Miguel GarcÃa Granados.
Guatemala flag ratio and construction
| Ratio | 5:8 |
|---|---|
| Bands | Three equal vertical bands |
| Order | Blue, white, blue |
| Coat of arms | Centered on the white band |
When is Guatemala Flag Day?
Guatemala observes DÃa de la Bandera on August 17, commemorating the establishment of the modern flag design in 1871.
Guatemala flag FAQ
What is the Guatemala flag ratio?
5:8.
Why is there a quetzal on the flag?
The quetzal is Guatemala’s national bird and a symbol of liberty.
What date is on the scroll?
September 15, 1821.
When was the modern flag created?
August 17, 1871.
Congress of Guatemala — Decree 104-97
Government of Guatemala — DÃa de la Bandera
