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Flag of Laos

Asia
7.6M
1975
Flag of Laos
LA | 2:3

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

Population
7.6M

0.2% of Asia

Capital
Vientiane
Languages
Lao
Continent
Asia
Subregion
Southeast Asia
Landlocked
Yes
Borders
Flag of Myanmar MyanmarFlag of Cambodia CambodiaFlag of China ChinaFlag of Thailand ThailandFlag of Vietnam Vietnam
ISO 3166-1
LA

Flag Identification

Adopted
December 2, 1975
Designer
Maha Sila Viravong
Proportions

2:3 (≈1.500)

23
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

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