Flag of Colombia

Colombia Flag

Country Information

Sovereign StateYes
Country CodesCO, COL, 170
Official NameRepublic of Colombia
ContinentSouth America
CapitalBogotá
Government TypeUnitary presidential constitutional republic
CurrencyColombian Peso (COP)
Calling Code+57
Member OfUnited Nations, World Trade Organization, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, Organization of American States, Union of South American Nations, Pacific Alliance, Andean Community of Nations, Inter-American Development Bank, Latin American Integration Association, Community of Latin American and Caribbean States
PopulationApprox. 51 million (as of 2023)
Total Area1,141,748 square kilometers
Highest PointPico Cristóbal Colón (5,700 meters or 18,700 feet)
Lowest PointPacific Ocean (0 meters or 0 feet)
GDP Per CapitaApprox. $6,100 (as of 2023)
Life ExpectancyApprox. 77 years (as of 2023)
Internet TLD.co

Colombian National Anthem

¡Oh gloria inmarcesible!

Oh unfading glory!
Oh immortal joy!
In furrows of pain,
Goodness germinates now.
The horrible night has ceased.
Liberty sublime
Shines forth the dawn of its invincible light.
All of humanity,
That moans in its chains,
Understands the words of the one who died on the cross.

Flags of Neighboring Countries

History of the Colombian Flag

The flag of Colombia, adopted on November 26, 1861, has a rich history that reflects the country’s struggle for independence and its national identity. The flag consists of three horizontal stripes: yellow at the top, blue in the middle, and red at the bottom.

The yellow stripe represents the gold found in Colombia, a significant part of its early history and economy. It also symbolizes the sun, grain, and wealth of the land. The blue stripe represents the seas on Colombia’s shores, the rivers that run through, and the sky above. The red stripe stands for the blood shed in the battle for independence, symbolizing strength and valor.

The flag’s colors are derived from the banner of the Gran Colombia, a short-lived republic that broke away from Spain, comprising modern-day Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela. The original flag of Gran Colombia, created by General Francisco de Miranda, inspired several other flags of independent states in South America.

Over the years, the Colombian flag has undergone a few changes in its size and the proportion of its stripes. However, the tricolor design has remained constant, serving as a unifying symbol of the nation’s enduring spirit and its rich history. The flag of Colombia is a source of pride for its people and is a symbol of independence, natural richness, and the valor of its citizens. It is prominently displayed on national holidays, in public buildings, and at international events, embodying the identity and values of the Colombian nation.