Coat of arms and the flag of Guatemala. Meaning and description of symbols

Guatemala is a small republic, a former colony of Spain. The coat of arms and the flag of Guatemala appeared after the country gained independence. They reflect its main historical and cultural characteristics and are considered official symbols representing the state on the world stage.

Guatemala: where is the country located ?

The Republic of Guatemala is located within the North American continent and belongs to Central America. In the northeast it is surrounded by Belize, in the south-east by Salvador, from the northwest of the country lies Mexico, and from the east by Honduras. In the south, Guatemala is washed by the Pacific Ocean, in the east it is surrounded by the Caribbean Sea.

The first inhabitants of the country were Maya Indians, then they were replaced by other tribes. From the XVI to the XIX century the territory of Guatemala was colonized by the Spaniards. In 1821 the country became part of the Mexican Empire. Full independence was granted to the republic only in 1823.

Now Guatemala is an independent state. By population (14.4 million), it is ahead of the rest of the Central American region. Most of the working population is employed in agriculture and the service sector, the industry accounts for only 15% of the labor force.

In Guatemala, sugar cane, coffee, beans, corn and bananas are grown; Produce clothing, sugar and produce oil. The republic boasts a unique nature. Most of it is covered with forests, in which many valuable species of trees grow. The country has many lakes, mountains, and sandy beaches on the coast.

Coat of arms of Guatemala

The modern coat of arms of the republic was developed in 1871. Its author was the Swiss Jean-Baptiste Frener, who lived in the country for about twenty years. The emblem, invented by the Swiss, was adopted as the official emblem of the republic in 1968. Until this time, the country's symbols have changed many times.

At present, the composition of the emblem consists of an image of a paper scroll, on which a bird of green-red color sits. The scroll contains the inscription LIBERTAD 15 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1821, which indicates the date of independence from Spain. The quetzal bird sitting on it is a symbol of freedom and is considered sacred among the indigenous peoples of Guatemala.

The scroll shows crossed rifles with bayonets, indicating the country's readiness for defense and defense. Under them are also two crossed swords - symbols of honor and dignity. Frames the composition of a wreath made of branches of an olive tree, symbolizing victory in the struggle for independence.

Flag of Guatemala

The current official flag of the republic was approved in 1885. The ratio of its width to length is 5: 8. The civil flag of Guatemala consists of three vertical bands of the same size. The two marginal bands are colored blue, and the middle band is white.

The blue color on the flag symbolizes justice and the rule of law in the country. White color means purity of thoughts, honesty in intentions and aspirations. The choice of flowers is not accidental and is taken from the symbolism of the flag of the United Provinces of Central America, operating from 1825 to 1838.

The state and military flag of Guatemala is supplemented with the image of the emblem of the republic in the middle of the cloth, in the central white strip.