Brazil Flag

Green: Represents the lush fields and forests of Brazil, originally symbolizing the House of Braganza of Emperor Pedro I. Yellow: Represents Brazil's mineral wealth, especially gold, originally symbolizing the House of Habsburg of Empress Maria Leopoldina. Blue sphere: Symbolizes Brazil's blue sky and celestial dome. The 27 stars represent Brazil's 26 states and the federal district (Brasília), with each star sized proportionally to its corresponding state's geographic area. The single star above (Spica) represents the state of Pará. The motto 'Ordem e Progresso' derives from Auguste Comte's positivist philosophy meaning 'Order and Progress.'

The Brazilian flag evolved from the imperial period through republican transformation. During the Napoleonic Wars, the Portuguese royal family elevated Brazil from colony to kingdom status. When Dom Pedro proclaimed independence on September 7, 1822, the imperial flag featured green and yellow colors suggested by his Habsburg wife, representing the royal houses of Braganza (green) and Habsburg (yellow). After the proclamation of the republic in 1889, the design was conceptualized by Raimundo Teixeira Mendes with collaboration from Miguel Lemos, Manuel Pereira Reis, and Décio Villares. The imperial coat of arms was replaced with the blue celestial sphere showing the sky over Rio de Janeiro on November 15, 1889. The star count has evolved from the original 21 stars in 1889 to 27 stars by 1992, reflecting Brazil's changing federal structure.

The flag consists of a green rectangular field with a yellow rhombus positioned slightly toward the hoist side. The blue celestial sphere within the rhombus contains 27 white five-pointed stars arranged to correspond to constellations visible in the Southern Hemisphere, including the Southern Cross. Stars are sized proportionally to their respective states' geographic areas. A curved white banner crosses the sphere diagonally from lower left to upper right, bearing the motto 'ORDEM E PROGRESSO' in green capital letters. The star positions reflect the actual sky over Rio de Janeiro on the night of November 15, 1889.

The Brazilian flag is protected by federal law and must be treated with proper respect and dignity. It should be displayed from sunrise to sunset on public buildings and may be illuminated for 24-hour display. The flag must be updated by law whenever states are created or extinct, ensuring the star count remains accurate. During official mourning periods, it may be flown at half-mast. The flag should never touch the ground and must be properly maintained. Desecration or improper use of the national flag is prohibited and subject to legal penalties under Brazilian law. When displayed with other flags, the Brazilian flag should be given the position of honor.