National Flag of the Republic of Nicaragua (1971)

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

After independence from Spain the Mexican empire briefly annexed Guatemala.

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

In 1838, the federation began to fail and Nicaragua seceded to become an independent state, still maintaining the use of a blue-white-blue flag until 1854.

The blue-white-blue flag was re-instated in 1908 with the inclusion of the state coat of arms in the centre white panel.

The current flag design dates from the 27th of August 1971.

The Symbolic Meaning

The colours of the Nicaraguan 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.

A more modern interpretation has blue symbolising justice and loyalty, while white represents virtue and purity.

The state coat of arms centrally placed on the flag is based on the coat of arms of the former United Provinces of Central America.

The arms feature an equilateral triangle, which represents equality.

Within the triangle are five volcanoes, which symbolise the five former members of the federation flanked by the blue of the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. 

The triangle contains symbols of liberty and peace; represented by a red Phrygian cap, white rays and rainbow.