Costa Rica Flag
National Flag of Costa Rica
By Mohamadou Moctar · Last updated
What does the Costa Rica flag mean?
Blue represents loyalty, opportunity and the sky; white symbolizes peace, wisdom, and freedom; red conveys courage, warmth, and the blood spilt for independence.
Costa Rica Flag Display
Quick facts
- Adopted:
- 1848
- Aspect Ratio:
- 3:5
- Capital:
- San José
- Population:
- 5.2 million
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Shop now on AmazonCosta Rica Flag - Description
The flag of Costa Rica has five horizontal bands — blue, white, red, white, blue — with the central red band twice the height of each of the others. The civil flag bears no emblem; the state flag adds the national coat of arms on a white oval set toward the hoist. There is no triangle and no star. Blue stands for the sky, opportunity and perseverance, white for peace and wisdom, and red for warmth and the blood shed for freedom. The design was adopted in 1848, its red band inspired by the ideals of the French Revolution.
Costa Rica Flag – Symbolism and Meaning
Costa Rica Flag - History and Origins
Designed by Pacífica Fernández under President Castro Madriz in 1848, the flag replaced Central American union flags. The coat of arms on state variants has been updated periodically since 1906.
Costa Rica Flag - Design Elements
Five horizontal stripes: blue (top), white, double-width red, white, blue. State flag includes coat of arms off‑center in red band. Colours defined legally (blue #001489, red #DA291C, white).
Costa Rica Flag - Usage Guidelines and Protocol
State flag—with coat of arms—is used by government; civil version omits arms. Flown at sunrise, lowered at sunset, half‑mast during mourning, and prioritized in official displays under national flag law.
Further reading: Flag of Costa Rica on Wikipedia
Flags Similar to Costa Rica
The Costa Rica Flag shares design elements with other national flags. These comparisons show how to tell them apart and why they look alike:
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the colors of the Costa Rica Flag represent?
Blue represents loyalty, opportunity and the sky; white symbolizes peace, wisdom, and freedom; red conveys courage, warmth, and the blood spilt for independence.
When was the Costa Rica Flag adopted?
1848
What is the aspect ratio of the Costa Rica Flag?
The Costa Rica flag has an aspect ratio of 3:5.