Like many flags of nations in Central America, the flag of El Salvador uses blue and white, because these were the colors of the United Provinces of Central America, a union of Central American nations after achieving independence from Spain.
The main version of El Salvador's national flag, used by government organizations, has the coat of arms of El Salvador centered on the white stripe. The coat of arms has a triangle with five volcanoes, representing the members of the former Central American union. The Phrygian cap, a red hat, tops a staff, and represents liberty. Behind the cap is a sun with beaming rays, encircled by the date of El Salvadorian independence, September 15, 1821. At the top of the triangle is a rainbow, symbolizing peace. Surrounding the triangle are five blue and white flags, which also represent the nations of Central America. Below the triangle, the motto of El Salvador is written on a scroll: Dios, Union, Libertad (God, Union, Liberty). Branches of laurel frame the triangle, representing victory. The branches are divided into fourteen sections, representing the fourteen Departments of El Salvador. Encircling all of this is the full name of the nation, Republica de El Salvador en la America Central, which translates to Republic of El Salvador in Central America.
An alternate version of the flag of El Salvador has the national motto, "Dios Union Libertad" written in yellow across the white stripe instead of the coat of arms. This flag is often used as the civil flag.
Before this flag was adopted in 1912, another flag had been used, somewhat resembling the American flag. The flag had nine blue and white stripes, and the canton in the upper left was red with white stars.
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Last Updated On : October 10, 2012
