Flag of Paraguay

What the flag looks like

Three equal horizontal bands of red, white and blue, with the national coat of arms in the center of the white band on the front and the treasury seal, a lion with a cap of liberty, on the back.

What it means

The colors are commonly said to stand for patriotism and courage (red), peace (white) and liberty (blue); the treasury seal's motto "Paz y Justicia" means "Peace and Justice".

How to remember it

Paraguay looks like the Netherlands until you spot the emblem, and flip it over: it is the only national flag with a different design on each side.

Fun facts

• Paraguay's flag is the only national flag whose two sides differ: the front shows the national arms and the back the treasury seal.
• Guaraní, an Indigenous language, is spoken by most Paraguayans and is an official language alongside Spanish.

Paraguay at a glance

Capital

Asunción

Region

South America

Population

6.9 million

Area

406,752 km²

Languages

Guaraní, Spanish

Currency

Paraguayan guaraní (₲)

Flag adopted

1842

Flags often confused with Paraguay

• Netherlands: The Netherlands and Paraguay are both red, white and blue horizontal stripes. Paraguay has a round emblem in the center of the white stripe; the Dutch flag is plain.
• Luxembourg: Luxembourg and Paraguay are both red, white and blue horizontal stripes. Paraguay has a round emblem in the center and a darker blue; Luxembourg's is plain, with light sky blue.
• Croatia: Croatia and Paraguay are both red, white and blue with a central emblem. Croatia has a large checkerboard shield spilling over the stripes; Paraguay has a small round seal inside the white band.