| Colors | HEX Code | RGB | CMYK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cobalt Blue | #0047AB | 0, 71, 171 | 100, 58, 0, 33 |
| White | #FFFFFF | 255, 255, 255 | 0, 0, 0, 0 |
| Yellow | #FFD21C | 255, 210, 28 | 0, 18, 89, 0 |
| Green | #009900 | 0, 153, 0 | 100, 0, 100, 40 |
| Red | #F60202 | 246, 2, 2 | 0, 99, 99, 4 |
The Flag of El Salvador has three horizontal stripes colored blue-white-blue. The national coat of arms is incorporated in the center.
Meaning of the Flag of El Salvador
The blue stripes represent the Pacific Ocean and the sky where El Salvador is located. The white color is for peace. The center of the coat of arms is a triangle with five volcanoes that rise out of the sea. They symbolize the five member states of the United Provinces of Central America. The red Phrygian cap over a staff represents liberty. Behind the cap, a golden sun that emits beaming rays is encircled by the date of Salvadoran independence which was on September 15, 1821. A rainbow arch in an azure sky is at the top of the triangle. It biblically symbolizes peace and hope for the future. There are five flags around the triangle representing the five nations of Central America. Under the triangle is a white ribbon with the motto of El Salvador: “Dios, Union, Libertad” which means “God, Union, Liberty.” Two branches of laurel surround the triangle, as a symbol of victory. The fourteen sections of the branches are the fourteen departments of El Salvador. The full name of the nation, i.e. Repúblicade El Salvador en la Ameríca Central, or Republic of El Salvador in Central America encircles all the elements of the coat of arms.
History of the flag of El Salvador
El Salvador was part of the five provinces in Central America which were under Spanish and then Mexican rule, but it proclaimed independence in 1821. In 1823, The Federal Republic of Central America was established, and El Salvador became part of it after gaining independence from Mexico. The blue-white-blue flag with the coat of arms was adopted. Then the 5 states of Central America separated, but El Salvador retained the flag until 1865. A new flag was used in El Salvador that resembled the flag of the United States of America with red and white stripes, and a blue canton with stars. Then the blue-white-blue flag was reintroduced in 1912, and it was officially adopted with the coat of arms in the middle.