Flag of Costa Rica

Flag origins

Costa Rica’s flag has five horizontal bands: blue, white, red, white and blue. The central red band is twice as wide as the others. Its basic design dates to September 29, 1848. Under current law, blue represents the sky, white peace and red the blood of those who died for freedom. The presidency additionally associates red with vitality, courage and the defense of democracy. Costa Rica distinguishes the plain national flag, Bandera Nacional, from the ceremonial state flag with arms on the red band, Pabellón Nacional.

Flag story

The flag is said to have been inspired by France. Its designer is credited as Pacífica Fernández Oreamuno, wife of head of state José María Castro Madriz. National Archives material describes her creating a white-blue-red design out of admiration for France. The French colors associated with revolution and republicanism were rearranged from vertical bands into a symmetrical blue-white-red-white-blue horizontal pattern. Its attribution to the first lady is another memorable part of the story.

Editorial notes and references

Edited by ABELHA WORKS. The English text translates the administrator-edited Japanese description. Legends should be distinguished from documented history. General reference links do not substantiate every statement in the text.

• Costa Rica — general information on Wikipedia
• Japan MOFA: countries and regions (Japanese)

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