Nicaragua

3×5' nylon national flag of Nicaragua.

Nicaragua's flag is one of only two national flags to include purple. It appears in the rainbow arching over the coat of arms; the other is Dominica's, on the plumage of its parrot.

Design

Three equal horizontal bands of blue, white and blue, with the coat of arms centered in the white band: a triangle containing five volcanoes between two seas, a rising sun, a red cap of liberty and a rainbow, encircled by the words "República de Nicaragua, América Central."

History & Symbolism

The design descends from the flag of the Federal Republic of Central America. Nicaragua readopted it in 1908, and its details were standardized on 27 August 1971. Blue stands for the two oceans, white for the land and for peace. The five volcanoes stand for the five member states of the old federation, and the triangle for equality.

Flag Specifications

• Adopted: 1908; standardized 27 August 1971
• Official proportions: 3:5
• Colors: blue, white, with multicolored arms
• Emblem: triangle of five volcanoes

Vexillographer's Note

Nicaragua's 3:5 ratio matches our 3×5' size exactly. Its arms are close kin to El Salvador's; the encircling words are the easiest way to tell them apart.

Humphrys Flag Company · Old City Philadelphia · Est. 1864