Guatemala Flag

Description

The Guatemala flag is available from Flags Online in full-size and desk formats, printed on both sides and made to last outdoors.

About the Guatemala Flag

Two vertical bands of sky blue flank a central white band on the Guatemala flag, with the national coat of arms placed in the middle of the white stripe. The coat of arms includes a quetzal, the country’s national bird, perched above a scroll bearing the date of Central American independence, framed by crossed rifles, crossed swords and a wreath of laurel.

Colours and Symbolism

The blue bands on the Guatemala flag are usually explained as representing the sky above the country and the oceans that border it on either side, while the white band stands for peace and purity. The quetzal at the centre of the coat of arms is one of the flag’s most recognisable features: a brightly coloured bird that lives in Guatemala’s cloud forests and has long stood as a national symbol of freedom, since it does not survive well in captivity. The crossed rifles and swords represent the country’s readiness to defend its sovereignty, while the laurel wreath around the whole design stands for victory and honour.

History of the Guatemala Flag

Guatemala’s blue-and-white colours date back to the flag of the United Provinces of Central America, the federation Guatemala belonged to after breaking from Spanish rule in 1821. When that federation dissolved, Guatemala kept the blue-white-blue arrangement as the basis of its own national flag. The vertical design used today was adopted on 17 August 1871, replacing an earlier horizontal version, and the coat of arms at its centre was updated in 1968 to give the quetzal, rifles and scroll their current form. The scroll still carries the date 15 September 1821, marking Central American independence from Spain.

Flying and Displaying the Flag

The Guatemala flag is flown across the country on government buildings and schools, and it is especially visible during independence celebrations each September. Guatemalans are generally particular about the correct proportions of the coat of arms relative to the bands, since a poorly rendered quetzal is easy to spot. The flag also appears widely at football matches and other sporting events, where the quetzal emblem is shorthand for national pride. When flown, the blue bands should sit at the hoist and fly with white always in the centre, keeping the coat of arms upright.

Guatemala Flag Sizes and Pricing

• 180 x 120cm — R860
• 22 x 15cm Desk Flag (10 units) — R800
• 10 x 15cm Desk Flag (10 units) — R650
• 90 x 60cm — R400

Material and Construction

Made from 100% polyester bunting material and digitally printed on both sides. Hemmed all around with two rows of stitching and finished with a polyester webbing heading. Rope and toggle for hoisting included.

Supplied in packs of 10. Printed on both sides onto polyester and supplied with a black plastic stick and removable base — take the base off and it doubles as a hand waving flag.

Ordering and Delivery

Every Guatemala flag is printed to order and dispatched from our Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and Johannesburg branches, with courier delivery nationwide. Bulk and school orders are welcome — contact us for volume pricing on quantities of 10 or more.

Additional information