Paraguay’s national flag is a horizontal red-white-blue tricolour distinguished by having different emblems on its front and reverse. The present tradition was established by the national-symbol law of 1842.
What does the Paraguayan flag look like?
The flag has three equal horizontal bands: red, white and blue. On the front, the centre of the white band bears the national emblem with a yellow five-pointed star surrounded by palm and olive branches and the inscription “República del Paraguay.”
Why is the reverse different?
The reverse displays the Treasury seal. It includes a seated lion, a vertical staff topped by a red Phrygian cap and the words “Paz y Justicia” — “Peace and Justice.” This two-sided treatment makes Paraguay’s flag unusual among national flags.
History of the tricolour
A red-white-blue tricolour with equal stripes was already being used in 1812. On November 25, 1842, Paraguay’s Extraordinary Congress formally established the tricolour together with the national and Treasury emblems that identify its two sides.
Paraguay flag facts
- Colors: red, white and blue
- Design: three equal horizontal bands
- Front emblem: star, palm and olive branches
- Reverse emblem: lion, staff, liberty cap and “Paz y Justicia”
- Formally established: November 25, 1842
Sources
References: Paraguay’s state news agency — history of the flag and official regulations on the national emblems.
