Official Palette
Symbolism
Red represents the blood shed for independence, and blue represents the Mekong River and prosperity. The white disc represents the full moon over the Mekong and the unity of the people under the Lao People's Revolutionary Party.
History
Adopted on December 2, 1975. It is the only flag of a current communist state that does not include a star or hammer and sickle emblem.
Construction
A 2:3 ratio. A horizontal tricolor of red, blue (double width), and red, with a white disc centered in the blue band.
Color Meanings
red: The blood shed for independence and sacrifice
blue: The Mekong River, prosperity, and the nation's wealth
white: The full moon over the Mekong and national unity
Country Facts
Flag Identification
- Adopted
- December 2, 1975
- Designer
- Maha Sila Viravong
- Proportions
2:3 (≈1.500)
- Total Colors
- 3
- Primary Layout
- Horizontal bands
- Key Symbols
- Emblem
Influences
Pathet Lao revolutionary movement
Related flags
Flag Protocol
- The white disc must be perfectly centered in the blue band
- The blue band must be twice the width of the red bands
Practice
Think you know the flags of Asia? Test your recognition in a quick practice round.