U N Member O A S Member Flag Adopted 21 September 1981 Flag Proportion: 2:3 Capital: Belmopan Language: English Currency: Belize Dollar Continent: Central America 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.”