Haiti Flag: Meaning, Coat of Arms, History, Flag Day & Facts
Explore Haiti’s blue-over-red national flag, the palm-tree coat of arms, revolutionary origins in 1803, the 1986 restoration and the meaning of May 18 Flag Day.
HaitiBlue over red with national arms1What does the Haiti flag look like?
The 1987 Constitution describes two horizontal bands of equal dimensions: blue on top and red below. At the center, a white square carries the arms of the Republic.
The arms feature a palm tree topped by a liberty cap, surrounded by a trophy of arms and the motto L’Union fait la Force.
2What do the Haiti flag colors mean?
Haiti’s national colors are blue and red. Their modern meaning is rooted in the revolutionary flag tradition of 1803, while the state flag places the national coat of arms on a white central panel. For the full symbolism, see the Haiti flag colors guide.
3What is in the Haiti coat of arms?
The emblem includes a palm tree, liberty cap, cannons, flags and military trophies, together with the motto L’Union fait la Force (“Unity Makes Strength”). For each element and its symbolism, see the Haiti coat of arms guide.
4How did the Haitian flag begin?
The Haitian flag tradition dates to 1803 during the final phase of the Haitian Revolution and is closely associated with Jean-Jacques Dessalines. Different governments later altered its orientation, colors and emblems. Read the full history of the Haiti flag for the complete chronology.
5Why was the Haiti flag restored in 1986?
After the Duvalier-era black-and-red flag was abandoned in 1986, Haiti restored the historic blue-over-red republican design; the 1987 Constitution then defined its modern legal form. This transition is covered in detail in the Haiti flag history guide.
6Why is May 18 Haiti Flag Day?
May 18 commemorates the national flag and its revolutionary heritage. Modern observances emphasize unity, sovereignty and national memory. See the Haiti Flag Day guide for the history of the date.
| National colors | Blue and red |
|---|---|
| Layout | Two equal horizontal bands |
| Central emblem | Arms of the Republic on white |
| Revolutionary origin | 1803 |
| Modern restoration | 1986 |
| Flag Day | May 18 |
7Haiti flag FAQ
What are Haiti’s official colors?
Blue and red.
What does “L’Union fait la Force” mean?
“Unity Makes Strength.”
When was the blue-and-red flag restored?
In 1986, after the fall of the Duvalier regime.
When is Haiti Flag Day?
May 18.
What is in the center of the flag?
The arms of the Republic on a white square.
