Puerto Rico Flag
National Flag of Puerto Rico
By Mohamadou Moctar · Last updated
What does the Puerto Rico flag mean?
The white star stands for the island. The three sides of the triangle stand for the three branches of government, and the blue for the sky and coastal waters. The red stripes recall the blood shed by the island's fighters, and the white stripes stand for liberty, victory and peace.
Puerto Rico Flag Display
Quick facts
- Adopted:
- 24 July 1952 (original design from 22 December 1895)
- Aspect Ratio:
- 2:3
- Capital:
- San Juan
- Population:
- Approximately 3.2 million (2023)
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Shop now on AmazonPuerto Rico Flag - Description
Puerto Rico’s flag features five horizontal stripes (three red, two white) with a blue equilateral triangle at the hoist containing a white five‑pointed star. Designed as an inversion of the Cuban flag, it blends Caribbean solidarity with local national identity.
Puerto Rico Flag – Symbolism and Meaning
Puerto Rico Flag - History and Origins
About fifty Puerto Rican exiles adopted the flag at Chimney Corner Hall in Manhattan on 22 December 1895, as the Cuban flag with its colors reversed. Who designed it is disputed: Francisco Gonzalo Marín and Antonio Vélez Alvarado are both credited. It was first carried in Puerto Rico during the Intentona de Yauco uprising against Spain on 24 March 1897. From 1948 until its repeal in 1957, Law 53, known as the Gag Law, made owning or displaying the flag a crime. A law of 24 July 1952 made it the official flag of the Commonwealth.
Puerto Rico Flag - Design Elements
Five alternating horizontal stripes (red-white-red-white-red) with a blue equilateral triangle at the hoist holding a white five-pointed star. Ratio 2:3. No law fixes the shade of blue: dark blue, matching the US flag, was usual from 1952 to 1995, medium blue became common after a 1995 regulation, and the independence movement has used light blue since 1967.
Puerto Rico Flag - Usage Guidelines and Protocol
A regulation of 3 August 1995 governs how the flag is displayed, including next to the US flag, in parades, on vehicles and buildings, over coffins and at half-mast, and requires that it be treated with respect.
Further reading: Flag of Puerto Rico on Wikipedia
Flags Similar to Puerto Rico
The Puerto Rico 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 Puerto Rico Flag represent?
The white star stands for the island. The three sides of the triangle stand for the three branches of government, and the blue for the sky and coastal waters. The red stripes recall the blood shed by the island's fighters, and the white stripes stand for liberty, victory and peace.
When was the Puerto Rico Flag adopted?
24 July 1952 (original design from 22 December 1895)
What is the aspect ratio of the Puerto Rico Flag?
The Puerto Rico flag has an aspect ratio of 2:3.