Costa Rica

Information about the Costa Rican Flag: Colors and Meaning of the Flag of Costa Rica

:: Meaning of the Costa Rican Flag ::

The national flag of Costa Rica contains five horizontal bands of blue (top), white, red (double width), white, and blue, with the coat of arms in a white elliptical disk toward the hoist side of the red band; Costa Rica retained the earlier blue-white-blue flag of Central America until 1848 when, in response to revolutionary activity in Europe, it was decided to incorporate the French colors into the national flag and a central red stripe was added.

Note: Somewhat resembles the flag of North Korea; similar to the flag of Thailand but with the blue and red colors reversed.

The blue color is said to stand for the sky, opportunity, and perseverance, white denotes peace, happiness, and wisdom, while red represents the blood shed for freedom, as well as the generosity and vibrancy of the people.