U N Member
O A S Member
Flag Adopted
21 September 1981
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Flag Proportion: |
2:3 |
| Capital: |
Belmopan |
| Language: |
English |
| Currency: |
Belize Dollar |
| Continent: |
Central America |
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The current flag of Belize was officially adopted in
September of 1981, upon independence from the United Kingdom. This blue flag
features a horizontal red stripe on the top and bottom of the flag, added to
differentiate it from the previous design adopted in 1950 at the start of the
independence movement. The use of these two colors is a reference to the ruling
and opposition parties. In the center of the flag is a white disc containing
the coat of arms, surrounded by a wreath of fifty leaves, symbolizing the
beginning of the quest for independence. The coat of arms remains nearly
identical to the design originally granted to British Honduras. Centered in
front of a mahogany tree is a shield divided into three sections, one containing
an oar and sledgehammer, another depicts a saw and axe, and on the bottom is a
ship. The shield is supported by two men, holding different tools, signifying
racial diversity. Below this image is a scroll containing the country’s motto
"Sub umbra floreo," “Flourish in the shade,” or “shadow.”
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