The Republic of Costa Rica

The National Flag of Costa Rica

Costa Rica initially, was part of the Federal Republic of Central America, a union between Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. The flag of the Federal Republic was introduced by Commodore Louis-Michel Aury, who was inspired by the light blue/white/light blue of the Argentinian flag.

However, the Federation began to dissolve in 1938, when Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica broke from the union. The flag that Costa Rica used at the time consisted of the same colours as the Federal flag, in reverse. With the Costa Rican symbol placed at the centre.

In 1842, the flag was changed. Going back to the blue-white-blue that was used by the Federation, a new Costa Rican emblem was created, and placed at its heart.

In 1948, a new flag was instituted. This one was a break from the past. This one consisted of a broad central red stripe, edged with stripes of white and blue. The wife of the president, Jose Maria Castro Madriz, created the flag, inspired by the colours of the French tricolour. The coat of arms of Costa Rica where placed at the centre of the flag.

Finally, in 1906, the current version of the flag was officially adopted. Keeping the Costa Rican tricolour, and replacing the coat of arms at the centre with a new coat of arms. This time, kept in an oval and set towards the hoist of the flag.

The blue represents the sky, opportunities, idealism, and perseverance. White stands for peace, wisdom, and happiness, and the red stands for the warmth and generosity of the people as well as the blood spilt by the nations martyrs.

The civil ensign drops the coat of arms.