Flag of Costa Rica

North America

5.3M

1848

CR | 3:5

Official Palette

Symbolism

Blue represents the sky, opportunities, and perseverance. White represents peace, happiness, and wisdom. Red represents the blood shed for freedom and the generosity of the people.

History

Adopted on November 27, 1906. The design was inspired by the French tricolor and was created by Pacifica Fernandez, the wife of President Jose Maria Castro Madriz.

Construction

A 3:5 ratio. Five horizontal bands of blue, white, red (double width), white, and blue.

Color Meanings

blue: The sky, opportunities, and perseverance

white: Peace, happiness, and wisdom

red: The blood shed for freedom and the warmth of the people

Country Facts

Population: 5.3M

0.9% of North America
Capital: San José
Languages: Spanish
Continent: North America
Subregion: Central America
Landlocked: No
Borders: Nicaragua Panama
ISO 3166-1: CR

Flag Identification

Adopted: September 29, 1848
Designer: Pacífica Fernández
Proportions: 3:5 (≈1.667)
Total Colors: 3
Primary Layout: Horizontal bands
Key Symbols: Emblem

Influences

French Tricolor

Related flags

Flag Protocol

Only the government version contains the national coat of arms
Must be raised on September 15 to celebrate independence

Practice

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