Guatemala is a small republic, a former colony of Spain. The coat of arms and flag of Guatemala appeared after the country gained independence. They reflect its main historical and cultural features 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. It is surrounded by Belize in the northeast, Salvador in the southeast, Mexico is located in the north-west of the country, and Honduras is in the east. 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 Mayan 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. The republic received full independence only in 1823.
Now Guatemala is an independent state. In terms of population (14.4 million), it is ahead of other countries in the Central American region. Most of the working population is engaged in agriculture and the service sector, industry accounts for only 15% of the workforce.
In Guatemala, sugarcane, coffee, beans, corn and bananas are grown; produce clothes, 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, as well as sandy beaches on the coasts.
Coat of arms of Guatemala
The modern coat of arms of the republic was developed in 1871. Its author was the Swiss Jean-Baptist Frener, who lived in the country for about twenty years. The emblem, invented by the Swiss, was adopted as the official coat of arms of the republic in 1968. Until this time, the symbolism of the country has repeatedly changed.
Currently, the composition of the coat of arms consists of an image of a paper scroll on which a green-red bird sits. On the scroll is the inscription LIBERTAD 15 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1821, indicating 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.
Behind the scroll are rifles with bayonets crossed between them, indicating the country's readiness for defense and defense. Under them are also two crossed swords - symbols of honor and dignity. The composition is framed by a wreath of olive tree branches, symbolizing victory in the struggle for independence.
Guatemala flag
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 stripes of the same size. The two extreme stripes are blue, and the middle strip is white.
The blue color on the flag symbolizes justice and legality in the country. White color means purity of thoughts, honesty in intentions and aspirations. The choice of colors 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 national and military flag of Guatemala is supplemented with the image of the coat of arms of the republic in the middle of the panel, in the central white stripe.