The Republic of Guatemala

The National Flag of Guatemala

On September 15, 1821, Guatemala declared independence from Spain, and announced its integration within the Mexican Empire. However, this was dissolved 2 years later.Guatemala then joined as part of the new United Provinces of Central America. Guatemala then played a fundamental part in triggering the civil war that saw the United Provinces collapse. Guatemala's first flag was during its time within the United Provinces of Central America. A simple horizontal tricolour being inspired by Argentina. Though using a darker shade of blue.

With Guatemala's battle for independence, led by Rafael Carerra, the horizontal tricolour had a new national coat of arms placed in the centre. 

in 1843, a new coat of arms was used. 

In 1851, a new pro-Spanish government came to power in Guatemala, and to show their loyalties, they added the Spanish colours of red and yellow to the Guatemalan tricolour. 

This went under another change in 1858, when the pro-Spanish government instituted another change. This time, making the Spanish element more prominent. Now, the flag had the Spanish tricolour at its centre, with white and blue stripes running along the top and bottom.

In the 1880's, a new government came in, less pro-Spanish than before. This government finally brought in a flag that took form as similar to the one in use today. This, however, used the royal blue colour of the Central American flag.

Finally, Guatemala introduced the current flags. Like many nations, there is a state, and civil flag. The civil flag is a light blue/white/light blue tricolour, with no adornments.

The state flag features the national coat of arms in its centre.

The coat of arms comprises a surround made of a wreath of olive branches, representing victory. In the centre is a scroll with the date of central America's independence from Spain written on it. On top of the scroll is a Resplendent Quetzal, A bird located in Central America, and representing liberty.  There are also 2 crossed Remington rifles with bayonets, representing the nations willingness to defend itself. There are also two crossed swords, representing honour. The coat of arms was designed by the Swiss artist Jean-Baptiste Frener who lived in Guatemala from 1854, to his death in 1897.