Official Palette
Symbolism
Blue stands for peace and justice, red for patriotism and valor, and the white triangle for equality. The sun's eight rays represent the first eight provinces that revolted against Spain. The three stars represent the three main geographical divisions: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
History
Designed by Emilio Aguinaldo in 1898 during his exile in Hong Kong. Uniquely, the flag is flown upside down (with the red band on top) when the country is in a state of war.
Construction
A 1:2 ratio. A horizontal bicolour of blue and red with a white equilateral triangle at the hoist containing a sun and three stars.
Color Meanings
blue: Peace, truth, and justice
red: Patriotism, valor, and the blood of heroes
white: Equality, fraternity, and purity
Country Facts
- Population
- 117.7M
2.4% of Asia
- Capital
- Manila
- Languages
- English, Filipino
- Continent
- Asia
- Subregion
- Southeast Asia
- Landlocked
- Island state
- ISO 3166-1
- PH
Flag Identification
- Adopted
- June 12, 1898
- Designer
- Emilio Aguinaldo
- Proportions
1:2
- Total Colors
- 4
- Primary Layout
- Horizontal bands
- Key Symbols
- Emblem, Stars
Influences
The eight provinces of the 1896 revolution
Related flags
Flag Protocol
- Uniquely flown with the red band on top when the country is at war
- The sun must have exactly eight rays
Practice
Think you know the flags of Asia? Test your recognition in a quick practice round.