Panama Flag: Meaning, Stars, History, Ratio & Facts
Explore Panama’s four-quarter flag, the meaning of its red and blue stars, Manuel E. Amador’s 1903 design, María Ossa de Amador’s role and the official 2:3 proportions.

What does the Panama flag look like?
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.
What do the colors and stars mean?
Who designed the Panama flag?
The design is credited to Manuel E. Amador T., who created it in November 1903 during the events leading to Panama’s separation from Colombia.
Who made the first Panama flags?
María Ossa de Amador and Angélica B. de Ossa sewed the first flags in secret on the night of November 2, 1903. Official histories place their work directly within the independence movement.
Panama flag dimensions
| Ratio | 2:3 |
|---|---|
| Layout | Four equal quarters |
| Stars | Two five-pointed stars |
| Star diameter | One-quarter of total flag height |
| Colors | White, blue and red |
Panama flag protocol
Panama maintains detailed rules for official display and reproduction. The flag is used on public buildings and is also governed by maritime rules affecting Panamanian vessels and ships operating in national jurisdiction or transiting the Canal.
Panama flag FAQ
Who designed Panama’s flag?
Manuel E. Amador T.
Who sewed the first Panama flags?
María Ossa de Amador and Angélica B. de Ossa.
What is the Panama flag ratio?
2:3.
What do the stars mean?
The blue star represents purity and honesty; the red star represents authority and law.