Civil Flag of the Republic of Honduras (1949)

After nearly 300 years of Spanish colonisation the territory covering modern day Honduras, together with Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua achieved independence from Spain on the 15th of September 1821. 

After independence from Spain the Mexican empire briefly annexed Honduras.

When the Mexican empire dissolved in 1823, Honduras became a founding member in a federation of states called the United Provinces of Central America (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua). 

The blue and white of the current flag are an historical link to this union and also remain in the flags of the other former members.

Honduras separated from the United Provinces of Central America and declared its independence on the 5th of November 1838.

The Honduran blue-white-blue horizontal striped flag featuring five blue stars was introduced in 1866. 

The current design dates from the 18th of January 1949.

The Symbolic Meaning

The colours of the Honduran national flag have their origin in the flag of the former federation of the United Provinces of Central America. 

When the Federation used the flag the two blue stripes represented the water of the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, which lapped the shores of its member countries and white symbolised peace.

For Honduras the blue stripes also symbolise the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, which lap its shoreline and the white stands for unity.

The 5 five-pointed stars represent the 5 former members of the federation of United Provinces of Central America and a desire that they will one day re-unite.