Flag of Costa Rica

The Republic of Costa Rica is a state located in Central America. In Spanish it means rich coast. The Republic has borders with Nicaragua and Panama. The southern and western parts of the country are washed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, respectively.

This is what the modern flag of Costa Rica looks like:

History of the Costa Rican flag

Costa Rica from the 16th century to 1821 was a colony of Spain. In that year it became independent of the Spanish crown, but united with the countries of Central America, in the form of a federation became part of the Mexican Empire. At this time the flag of the empire was in use.

But other flags were used at the same time:

1. 1821-1823 ;

2. 1823-1824 ;

3. 1824 ;

4. 1824-1840 ;

5. 1840-1842 ;

6. 1842-1848

The final version of the flag was adopted in 1848. The colors and their combinations resemble the French tricolor, only horizontally arranged. This depiction of the symbol meant a tribute to France, which at the time was considered a model to follow.

The national symbol of Costa Rica was approved in November 1906.

Description

The RRC symbol is a rectangular cloth with a 3 to 5 aspect ratio. It depicts five horizontal stripes: two blue, two white, and one red. The blue and white stripes are equal in width, while the red one is twice as wide. From top to bottom, the stripes alternate as follows: blue, white, red, white, blue. The left side of the red stripe (closer to the staff) on the government version shows the coat of arms of Costa Rica. The civilian version of the flag has no coat of arms.

The RRC coat of arms depicts two ships, the first from the Pacific Ocean, the second from the Caribbean Sea. The sun rising on them symbolizes freedom. The three mountains between the sailing ships represent the three main mountain ranges of the country. The seven stars on the coat of arms represent the seven provinces of the CR. On the left and right sides of the coat of arms are small beads symbolizing Costa Rican coffee.

At the top of the coat of arms there are two inscriptions: on a white ribbon the name of the country, and above the shield on a blue ribbon the inscription of the region of location – Central America.

Flag colors

The national symbol of Costa Rica consists of three colors: blue, white, red.

Meaning of colors and flag symbol

The colors of the symbol of Costa Rica have the following meanings:

• blue – the sky and its beauty, eternity, religious and spiritual ideals, perseverance;
• white – wisdom, clear thinking, peace and new beginnings;
• red – the warmth of the people of Costa Rica, their love of life, their willingness to shed blood for freedom.

According to the colors of the symbolism also applies a different interpretation: blue and white symbolize the independence of the CD, and red – civilization.

Other Flags

The civilian flag of the KR looks the same, but without the coat of arms.

Interesting facts about the flag

The Costa Rican flag is similar to the Thai flag. The difference is that the places of red and blue colors are changed between them.

There is an optional law that allows Costa Rican citizens to use the flag only on public holidays.