Flag of Laos

Design and proportions

The flag's layout places a wide central blue band between two narrower red bands. The blue stripe is traditionally shown as twice the height of each red stripe. A white circular disk is centered on the blue field; its diameter is commonly specified relative to the blue stripe (the disk measures four-fifths of the blue band's height in many descriptions). For design notes and visual specifications see design details and a color reference at colour guide.

Symbolism

The colours and disk are frequently explained in symbolic terms. The red stripes are often described as representing the blood shed in the struggle for independence and national sovereignty; the blue stripe typically stands for the Mekong River and the nation's prosperity; the white disk is interpreted as a symbol of unity and the bright future or full moon over the Mekong. Official and popular explanations vary, and readers can consult further commentary at symbolism notes and interpretive resources.

History and development

Before 1975 the Kingdom of Laos used a royal standard that featured a three-headed elephant under a parasol on a red field; that flag is still used by royalist groups in exile and for historical contexts. The current red-blue-red with white disk was used by the Lao People's Revolutionary Party before the monarchy's end and was adopted as the national flag when the monarchy was abolished on 2 December 1975. For historical timelines and context see historical overview.

Usage, protocol and related notes

The flag is used by state institutions, at public buildings, on national holidays, and in diplomatic settings. Customary protocol includes raising the national flag on official days and treating it with standard respect appropriate to national emblems. In some expatriate communities and political groups the former royal flag continues to appear as a symbol of opposition to the current government. Additional guidance and examples of official use are available at usage guidance.

• Main elements: horizontal bands (red/blue/red) and central white disc.
• Adopted: 2 December 1975 (current state flag).
• Common interpretations: sacrifice (red), prosperity/Mekong (blue), unity/bright future (white disk).