Flag of Paraguay
Paraguay’s flag is unusual because it has different badges on its obverse and reverse sides. The red, white and blue horizontal tri-color bands first appeared in 1811 on independence from Spain. It was probably influenced by the French tri-color. The present version, with a new central emblem, has been used since 1842. The obverse emblem depicts the Star of May, used as a symbol of freedom and independence on South American flags, and here a symbol of Paraguayan freedom from Spain (achieved on 14th May 1811). On the reverse is the seal of the treasury, showing a lion guarding a staff on which is a cap of liberty, with the words ’Paz y Justicia’ (Peace and Justice) above.
The ratio of the flag is 1:2.
