|
The current flag of Bolivia was officially
adopted in November of 1851. This tri-band flag features three
equal horizontal stripes in red, yellow and green. The red stands
for the valor and courage of Bolivian soldiers and the blood shed on
behalf of their country. Yellow represents Bolivia’s mineral
resources and green is a symbol of hope and progress, and is also
recognized by some as a symbol of the fertility of the land. The
state version of this flag also features the coat of arms centered
on the middle band. This intricate symbol features a seal
containing a mountain scene with a rising sun in the horizon, behind
an alpaca standing next to a palm tree and wheat sheaf. This image
is enclosed by a light blue border featuring ten yellow five pointed
stars representing the nine departments of Bolivia, as well as one
that was lost to Chile. Surrounding the crest are six Bolivian
flags, with two cannon barrels crossed. Also depicted are several
rifles, or muskets, an Incan battle axe, laurel branches and an
Andean condor perched on top of the central seal. |