Colors and the Meaning of the Guatemala Flag
The Flag of Guatemala consists of sky-blue-white-sky blue colors, which vertically divide the flag into three equal parts.
The sky blue symbolizes the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean on both sides of the country, while the white color in the middle represents the cleanliness and purity of the country’s values. Besides the flag used as the national flag in the country, there is also the coat of arms of the country on the official flag.
The Quetzal bird, which is the national symbol of the country, which stands on the letter of September 15, 1821, on which the Central American gained its independence from Spain, appears on the emblem in the middle of the flag. In the background, two cross-shaped rifles and a sword that symbolize the active defense of the country for its independence, seem to be surrounded by a wreath of two olive branches.
History of the Guatemala Flag
From 1609 to 1821, the Spanish Empire controlled the Kingdom of Guatemala under the name of Captaincy General of Guatemala. The flag in this region was a burgundy cross. In 1823, Guatemala joined the Union with El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica to form the Federal Republic of Central America. The accepted flag was a light blue-white-light blue horizontal three-lane flag with the emblem in the center.
In 1825, the flag of Guatemala was a blue-white-blue horizontal three-lane flag, and in 1838 an emblem was added that resembled the emblem on the flag used as part of the Central American Federal Republic. When Guatemala left the Federal Republic of Central America in 1838, it was replaced with a shield with a sun shining across the mountains in front of the emblem, arrows, and wreaths on Guatemala’s flag. In 1851, the flag was replaced by a white band at the center, a red-blue split top band, and a yellow-blue split subband.
In the center of the state flag of Guatemala, there was rigging. In 1858 a flag was adopted which was influenced by the Spanish flag. This flag had a thick yellow stripe at the center and a thin blue-white-red stripe below and above. In 1871, the flag was transformed into a light blue-white-light blue vertical three-lane flag with a National Emblem at the center, and the coat of arms of Guatemala was adopted on 18 November 1871. White stripes are representative of peace, while light blue lines represent the Pacific and the Atlantic Ocean. A variant flag is the same design as the national flag without the emblem, it is also the flag of the merchant and the flag of the civilian. In 2008 a flag was accepted to represent the indigenous peoples of Guatemala. The flag, called Bandera de los pueblos, has a white, red, black and yellow triangle representing the people of Xinca, Garifuna, Maya, and Ladino with a Mayan symbol in the center.
Neighboring Countries of Guatemala
Located in Central America. Mexico is in the north, Belize, and Honduras in the east and El Salvador in the south.
Main Characteristics of Guatemala
The Republic of Guatemala, attracting attention with its nature and coasts, is not a developed country in terms of its economy. Crime rates are high in the country. Guatemala means the area of many trees. Its capital is Guatemala, which has the same name as the country. It is the largest city in the country. In addition to the official language of Spanish, there are 21 Mayan languages spoken. The currency is Quetzal.
Tropical climate prevails. It has a warm and humid climate. Annual average temperatures vary according to the elevations. Country cuisine is influenced by the Maya cuisine. Spices have an important place in their meals. The most consumed dishes are leri gallo pinto En. Fish meat is among the most consumed foods.
| Country | Guatemala |
| Code | GT (GTM) |
| Calling Code | 502 |
| Capital City | Guatemala City |
| Currency | guatemalan quetzal (GTQ) |
| Emoji Symbol | 🇬🇹 |
| Highest Point | Volcán Tajumulco (4,220 m) |
| Internet TLD | .gt |
| Population(2018) | 17,245,346 |
| Total Area | 108,889 km2 |