History of the Bolivia Flag: 1825, 1826 & the 1851 Tricolour
Bolivia’s current red-yellow-green flag is the result of several early republican changes. The modern color order was established in 1851.
1825: the first national flag
Shortly after independence, the new Republic of Bolívar created its first flag on August 17, 1825. That early design used red and green and included decorative branches and stars.
1826: yellow is introduced
In 1826, under President Antonio José de Sucre, the flag was modified and yellow was added. This established the three-color family—red, yellow and green—that Bolivia still uses today.
1851: the modern order is established
During the government of Manuel Isidoro Belzu, Bolivia adopted the modern horizontal order of red above yellow above green. The tricolour first flew in this arrangement in 1851.
Why August 17 matters
Bolivia celebrates Día de la Bandera on August 17, marking the creation of the country’s first national flag in 1825.
2009: modern state-symbol framework
The 2009 Constitution recognizes the red-yellow-green tricolour and the Wiphala among the symbols of the Plurinational State. Supreme Decree No. 241 standardized their characteristics and use.
The flag today
The modern tricolour has three equal horizontal bands. State institutions may use forms that incorporate the coat of arms, while the basic national flag remains red, yellow and green.
Timeline
| 1825 | First national flag created |
|---|---|
| 1826 | Yellow added |
| 1851 | Modern red-yellow-green order established |
| 2009 | Current constitutional state-symbol framework |
