Panama Flag: Meaning, Stars, History, Ratio & Facts

The national flag is divided into four equal quarters. The upper hoist is white with a blue five-pointed star, the upper fly is red, the lower hoist is blue, and the lower fly is white with a red five-pointed star.

Blue and red historically reflected Panama’s Conservative and Liberal political traditions, while white represents peace and common ground. The blue star is associated with purity and honesty, and the red star with authority and law. For the full symbolism and four-quarter layout, see the Panama flag colors and stars guide.

The design is credited to Manuel E. Amador T., who created it in November 1903 during the events surrounding Panama’s separation from Colombia. For the wider adoption story and early versions, read the history of the Panama flag.

María Ossa de Amador and Angélica B. de Ossa sewed the first flags in secret on the night of November 2, 1903. Their role is central to the flag’s independence-era story. See our María Ossa de Amador and the first Panama flags guide for the full account.

The Panama flag uses a 2:3 ratio, four equal quarters and two five-pointed stars. For quarter geometry, star sizing and a practical construction sequence, see how to draw the Panama flag.

Panama has formal rules for respectful display, official use and maritime contexts. For the detailed display and legal guidance, see the Panama flag protocol and etiquette guide.