Flag of Costa Rica
The national flag of Costa Rica consists of five horizontal stripes. Its bottom and top stripes are blue while its center stripe of red are sandwiched between two white stripes. The width of the red stripe should be two-sixth of the total width of the flag while each blue and white stripe should be one-sixth of the total width. Found on the hoist side of the red stripe is the coat of arms of a white elliptical disk. Located Above the coat of arms is a light blue ribbon with the words “AMERICA CENTRAL” inscribed on it. Below the disk is a white ribbon inscribed with the words “REPUBLICA COSTA RICA”. The flag has a proportion of 3:5.
Symbolism
The colors found on the flag represent the uniquely different aspects of Costa Rica:
- Blue: It represents the sky, abundant opportunities, intellectual thinking, perseverance, eternity, spiritual ideals, and religious desires.
- White: Symbolizes clear thinking, initiative to search for new endeavors, wisdom, power, peace, happiness, and beauty of the heavens.
- Red: Represents the warmth of the people, generosity, love for live, and the blood shed in the pursuit of freedom.
History
November 27, 1906 was the official adoption of the national flag of Costa Rica. It was designed by Costa Rica’s First Lady, Pacífica Fernández Oreamuno, in 1848. The blue and white were the original colors used by the Federal Republic of Central America, an alliance of Central American provinces formed after jointly declaring independence from Spain in 1821. Costa Rica became a state in the Federal Republic of Central America from 1823 to 1838 after which Costa Rica declared its sovereignty.
On the other hand, the colors red, white, and blue were modeled after the colors of the French national flag. These colors were also adopted as they symbolize the ideals of the French Revolution, which are freedom, equality, and brotherhood.
An interesting provision in the Costa Rican law states that Costa Rican citizens are not allowed to fly any Costa Rican flags other than on national holidays. This law, however, is not rigorously enforced.
