Belize .bz

Meaning of the Flag

The flag of Belize was adopted on 21 September 1981, the day Belize became independent. It consists of the coat of arms of Belize on a blue field with red stripes at the top and bottom. The figures, tools, and mahogany trees represent this industry. Red stripes were added to denote the colour of the opposition party. The 50 leaves recall 1950, the year PUP came to power.

Meaning of Flag Colors

Red, Blue

Flag History

1. 1950
   From 1950 onward, an unofficial national flag was in use.
2. 1981–present
   

   Current national flag, in use since 1981.

The current flag of Belize has been the nation’s only official flag. It was adopted on September 21, 1981 after the nation gained its independence.

However, while this is the first and only national flag to date, an unofficial flag of Belize was used from 1950 until 1981. This unofficial flag featured a blue field with the coat of arms on a white disc centered on the flag. Due to the complexities of drawing the coat of arms, a blank white circle was sometimes used on these unofficial flags.

The current design was chosen in a competition held in 1981. This design was similar to what is in use today. However, there was a red border along all sides of the flag, which was changed to one strip on top and one stripe on bottom.

Fun Facts

Belize’s flag design is unique because it is the only national flag that prominently features humans as part of its design.

Even though the official national flag was not put into use until the 1980s, the design of the coat of arms dates back to 1907.

Prior to the unofficial flag that was used in 1950, Belize used several flags as British Honduras.

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