Paraguay Flag Meaning
A horizontal tricolor of red, white, and blue. Unique among national flags, Paraguay’s flag has different emblems on the obverse and reverse sides: the national coat of arms on the front, and the treasury seal on the back.
- Continent
- South America
- Adopted
- 1842
- Ratio
- 11:20
- Colors
- red, white, blue, yellow, green
- Designer
- Based on revolutionary flags influenced by France and the Netherlands
Symbolism
Red Stripe: Represents courage and patriotism.
White Stripe: Symbolizes peace and purity.
Blue Stripe: Represents liberty and justice.
Obverse Seal: Features a yellow star, palm, and olive branches, encircled with 'República del Paraguay.'
Reverse Seal: Shows a golden lion with the Phrygian cap, symbolizing defense of liberty.
History
- 1811: Paraguay declared independence from Spain and adopted temporary flags.
- 1826: A red-white-blue tricolor influenced by the French flag was used.
- 1842: The current design was established, with unique front and back emblems.
- 1990s: Minor updates modernized the seals.
Trivia
- Paraguay’s flag is the only national flag with different designs on the front and back.
- The lion and Phrygian cap on the reverse symbolize liberty and resilience.
- The flag’s colors reflect both revolutionary ideals and Pan-American solidarity.
- Paraguay is a landlocked country, but its navy operates on rivers.
- National Flag Day is celebrated on August 14.
Related Countries
Bolivia
South America
Three horizontal stripes of red, yellow, and blue, with the national coat of arms centered on the yellow stripe in the state flag, representing the valor of the army, the mineral wealth of the nation, and the sky and sea that Bolivia once possessed before losing its coastline to Chile.
Uruguay
South America
Nine alternating horizontal stripes of blue and white with a golden sun (Sol de Mayo) in the upper left canton, representing the nine original departments of Uruguay, the clear skies and peace, and the May Revolution that inspired South American independence movements.
Brazil
South America
Green field with yellow diamond containing a blue celestial globe with the motto 'Ordem e Progresso'.
Argentina
South America
Three horizontal stripes of light blue, white, and light blue with a golden sun (Sol de Mayo) in the center, created by Manuel Belgrano during the independence wars and representing the clear skies after the storm of Spanish rule, the snow-capped Andes mountains, and the May Revolution that began Argentina's path to freedom.
Chile
South America
Two horizontal stripes of white over red with a blue square in the upper hoist containing a white five-pointed star, representing the sky and Pacific Ocean, the snow-capped Andes Mountains, the blood of patriots, and the guiding star of progress.
Peru
South America
A vertical triband of red, white, and red. The civil flag is a simple triband, while the state flag includes the national coat of arms in the center white band. The design reflects Peru’s struggle for independence and its natural richness.