Flag of Guatemala Facts for Kids

The national flag of Guatemala.

The flag of Guatemala is an important national symbol. It was officially created in 1871. This flag represents the country and its people.

What the Flag Looks Like
- The Meaning of the Colors
- The National Emblem
History of the Flag
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What the Flag Looks Like

The flag of Guatemala has three vertical stripes. The stripes on the left (hoist-side) and right (fly-side) are light blue. The middle stripe is white. In the very center of the white stripe, you will see the national emblem of Guatemala.

The Meaning of the Colors

The colors on the flag are very meaningful:

Light Blue: The two light blue stripes stand for the two oceans that border Guatemala. These are the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean (Caribbean Sea). They also represent the sky over the country.
White: The white stripe in the middle represents peace and purity. It also stands for the nation's honesty and integrity.

The National Emblem

The emblem in the center of the flag is full of symbols:

The Quetzal Bird: This is a beautiful bird with bright green feathers. It is the national bird of Guatemala. The quetzal symbolizes liberty and freedom. It is said that the quetzal cannot live in captivity.
Scrolls: There are two scrolls with important dates. One scroll says "LIBERTAD 15 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1821". This means "Liberty September 15, 1821". This is the date Guatemala gained its independence from Spain. The other scroll says "1871", which is the year the current flag was created.
Crossed Rifles and Bayonets: These represent the country's willingness to defend itself. They show the strength and determination of the Guatemalan people.
Crossed Swords: The swords symbolize honor and justice.
Laurel Wreath: The wreath of laurel branches surrounds the emblem. It stands for victory and glory.

History of the Flag

Guatemala's flag was adopted on August 17, 1871. Before this, Guatemala was part of the United Provinces of Central America. This was a group of countries that became independent together. Their flag had horizontal stripes.

When Guatemala became fully independent, its leaders wanted a unique flag. They chose vertical stripes to be different from other Central American nations. The design they picked in 1871 is still used today. It reflects the country's desire for freedom and peace.