Bolivia

Bolivia
Adopted	October 31, 1851
Proportions	15:22

The flag of Bolivia is an equal horizontal tricolor of red, yellow, and green.

The version with the national coat of arms at the center, is used as a state flag, ensign, and war flag.

Symbolism

Red represents the bloodshed by Bolivia's heroes for the birth and preservation of the Republic, yellow represents Bolivia's wealth and resources, and green represents the richness of the natural areas as well as hope. The coat of arms in the center depicts two crossed rifles that symbolize the struggle for independence, an axe and a red cap that symbolize liberty and freedom, the laurel and olive branches symbolize peace, and the Condor on top represents the people's willingness to defend the nation and its' liberty.

Other flags

Wiphala

Since the Constitution of 2009, the Wiphala of the Quallysuyu has been the dual flag of Bolivia. Wiphalas are composed of a 7 × 7 square patchwork in seven colors, arranged diagonally. The precise configuration varies based on the particular suyu represented by the emblem. The color of the longest diagonal line (seven squares) corresponds to one of four regions the flag represents: white for Qullasuyu, yellow for Kuntisuyu, red for Chinchaysuyu, and green for Antisuyu.

The seven colors of the actual Wiphala reflect those of the rainbow. According to the Katarista movement (whose interpretation is promoted by the Bolivian authorities), the significance and meaning for each color are as follows:

• Red: The Earth and the Andean man
• Orange: Society and culture
• Yellow: Energy and strength
• White: Time and change
• Green: Natural resources and wealth
• Blue: The Cosmos
• Violet: The Andean government and self-determination

Armed Forces and Navy

The flag of the Bolivian Armed Forces, is the national flag, with the national coat of arms being flanked by a laurel and olive branch.

The naval ensign is a blue background with the Bolivian tricolor in the canton, surrounded by nine small yellow stars, and one big star in the fly. In 2013, the Wiphala would be added to the flag.

The naval jack is a red field with squares of yellow and green.

Trivia

• If you add a black star to the flag, you get Ghana, or if you rotate it sideways, you either get the flags of Guinea and Mali.