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Flag of Mexico

North America
133.0M
1968
Flag of Mexico
MX | 4:7

Official Palette

Symbolism

Green represents hope and the independence movement, white symbolizes purity and the Catholic faith, and red stands for the blood of national heroes. The central emblem depicts a Mexican golden eagle perched on a prickly pear cactus devouring a rattlesnake—based on the Aztec legend of the founding of Tenochtitlan (now Mexico City).

History

The tricolor was adopted in 1821 after independence from Spain. The coat of arms has undergone several revisions, with the current design, established by Francisco Eppens Helguera, adopted in 1968.

Construction

A vertical tricolor of green, white, and red in a 4:7 ratio. The national coat of arms is centered in the white band, taking up half its width.

Color Meanings

green: Hope and the victory of the independence movement
white: Purity of Mexican ideals and unity
red: The blood shed by the national heroes for the country

Country Facts

Population
133.0M

22% of North America

Capital
Mexico City
Languages
Spanish
Continent
North America
Landlocked
No
ISO 3166-1
MX

Flag Identification

Adopted
September 16, 1968
Designer
Francisco Eppens Helguera
Proportions

4:7 (≈1.750)

47
Key Symbols
Emblem, Animal, Plant

Influences

Flag of the Three Guarantees

Flags with resemblance

Visually close designs — compare colors and emblems, or try similarities mode.

Related flags

Flag Protocol

  • The national anthem must be played when the flag is raised
  • Must be saluted by civilians with the right hand over the heart
  • Flags that are worn out must be retired through cremation

Practice

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