Symbolism
Blue represents the sea and sky. Yellow represents abundance, gold, and the island's past wealth. Red represents the blood of the Aruban people and their love for the country. The four-pointed star represents the four points of the compass and the diverse origins of the population.
History
Designed by vexillologist Whitney Smith and adopted on March 18, 1976, as Aruba moved toward separate status within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The date is still celebrated annually as Flag and Anthem Day.
Construction
A 2:3 ratio. A light blue field with two narrow yellow horizontal stripes and a red four-pointed star with white fill in the canton.
Color Meanings
blue: The sea, sky, and peace
yellow: Abundance, gold, and prosperity
red: The blood and love of the Aruban people
white: The star of Aruba and purity
Country Facts
- Continent
- North America
- Subregion
- Caribbean
- Landlocked
- Island state
- ISO 3166-1
- AW
Flag Identification
- Adopted
- March 18, 1976
- Designer
- Whitney Smith
- Proportions
2:3 (≈1.500)
- Total Colors
- 3
- Primary Layout
- Horizontal bands
- Key Symbols
- Stars
Influences
Caribbean independence movements of the 1970s
Related flags
Flag Protocol
- The star must have four points with a red outline and white fill
- Raised on March 18 each year for Flag and Anthem Day
Practice
Think you know the flags of Caribbean? Test your recognition in a quick practice round.