National Flag of Belize (1981)

Belize, formerly British Honduras, is located on the Caribbean coast of Central America between Guatemala and Mexico. 

The flag of Belize clearly portrays the nation's origins. The centred coat of arms retains the main features employed in the British Honduras coat of arms, a sailing ship and depictions of tools used by sailors and loggers. 

The coat of arms was granted by Great Britain in 1908.  

In 1950, the movement towards independence began and in September 1981, Belize became independent and adopted its own national flag. 

The current flag design dates from the late 1980s.

The Symbolic Meaning

Red and blue are the colours of the political parties in Belize, the ruling party and the opposition party.  

The wreath encircling the coat of arms is made up of 50 leaves, signifying the beginning of the movement towards independence in 1950.  

The tools represent industry, the sailing ship signifies the original method of transportation and the mahogany tree represents the forests and industry. 

The figures supporting the shield are a Mestizo (European/Indian ancestry) and a Creole (African/Mayan Indian ancestry), symbolising the broad racial mix within Belize.