Overview
The flag of Honduras is a horizontal triband of blue, white, and blue with five blue stars centered in the white stripe. The pattern and colors reflect the nation's ties to the 19th-century Federal Republic of Central America and are widely used as Honduras’s primary national emblem.
Design and symbolism
The flag’s layout shows two outer blue bands separated by a wider white band. Five five-pointed blue stars are arranged in an X or quincunx pattern at the center of the white field. The blue bands are commonly interpreted to represent the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea that border Central America, while the white symbolizes peace and prosperity.
- The five stars traditionally represent the five former provinces of the former Central American federation: Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
- The central arrangement suggests hopes for reunion or unity among those states.
History
The flag’s design traces its inspiration to the banner of the Federal Republic of Central America, and Honduras adopted its present arrangement in the 19th century, with the official design coming into established use in 1866. Variations and modifications have appeared over time, but the core blue-white-blue scheme and the five-star motif have remained constant.
Use and variants
Honduras uses several related flags: the plain triband with stars is the common civil flag, while a variant incorporating the national coat of arms is reserved for government or official purposes. Military, maritime, and ceremonial banners follow established protocols that adapt the basic motif for specific contexts.
Notable facts
The flag’s resemblance to other Central American banners highlights shared history and cultural ties in the region. For official descriptions and further details, consult national sources or the government’s official information page: official information.