Nicaragua Flag: Meaning, Coat of Arms, History, Ratio & Current Symbols
Explore Nicaragua’s blue-white-blue flag, cobalt-blue color meaning, five-volcano coat of arms, 3:5 construction, Central American history and the national-symbol changes introduced in 2025.
1 What does the Nicaragua flag look like?
The blue-white flag consists of three equal horizontal stripes. The upper and lower bands are cobalt blue and the middle band is white. Nicaragua’s coat of arms sits in the center of the white stripe.
The design preserves the blue-white-blue tradition associated with the nineteenth-century Central American federation.
2 What do the colors mean?
The 1971 national-symbols law names the blue shade as cobalt blue. For detailed color guidance, see Nicaragua Flag Colors & Meaning.
3 What is on the coat of arms?
The emblem contains an equilateral triangle, five volcanoes between two seas, a rainbow and a Phrygian cap. Official explanations assign the symbols specific meanings: the triangle represents equality, the rainbow peace and the Phrygian cap liberty.
The five volcanoes represent the five historic Central American republics and the idea of fraternity among them. Explore the coat of arms symbol by symbol →
4 How did the flag develop?
Nicaragua’s flag tradition descends from the United Provinces and Federal Republic of Central America. The present basic form dates from the early twentieth century, while Decree No. 1908 of 1971 standardized its proportions, color terminology, symbolism and rules of use.
Read the full Nicaragua flag history →
5 Nicaragua flag ratio and construction
| Ratio | 3:5 |
|---|---|
| Horizontal bands | Three equal stripes |
| Order | Cobalt blue, white, cobalt blue |
| Emblem | Centered in white band |
For step-by-step construction, see How to Draw the Nicaragua Flag.
6 What changed in 2025?
Nicaragua’s current Constitution identifies both the blue-and-white flags and the red-and-black flag associated with Sandino’s anti-imperialist struggle and the Sandinista Revolution among the country’s national symbols.
Law No. 1249 also repealed the old July 14 National Flag Day provision and designated May 4 as DÃa de la Dignidad Nacional and DÃa de las Banderas Nacionales.
Read the 2025 national-flags update →
7 Nicaragua flag FAQ
What is the Nicaragua flag ratio?
3:5.
What shade of blue is specified?
The 1971 law uses the term cobalt blue.
What do the five volcanoes mean?
They represent the five historic Central American republics and the ideal of regional fraternity.
Is July 14 still Nicaragua Flag Day?
No. The July 14 provision was repealed in 2025; May 4 is now DÃa de la Dignidad Nacional and DÃa de las Banderas Nacionales.
Does Nicaragua now have a red-and-black national flag?
The current Constitution recognizes the red-and-black Sandinista flag as a national symbol alongside the blue-and-white flags.
