Features

Our Belize flag is manufactured to exacting specifications for maritime use:

• Premium Nylon Construction: Durable 100% nylon fabric designed to withstand harsh marine environments and salt air exposure

• Official Design Specifications: Accurately reproduced according to the 1981 official design with proper proportional ratio

• Maritime-Grade Hardware: Reinforced canvas heading with rust-resistant brass grommets for secure attachment to halyards

• Vivid Color Retention: Advanced dyeing technology ensures the royal blue, red, and white colors remain fade-resistant even under constant UV exposure

• Multiple Size Options: Available in 12" x 18", 2' x 3', 3' x 5', 4' x 6', and 5' x 8' to match your vessel's flagpole proportions

• International Code Compliance: Meets requirements specified in the International Code of Signals and ISM Code

• Quick Identification: Distinctive royal blue field with centered white disk, red horizontal stripes, and coat of arms featuring human figures for instant recognition

Made in USA: Proudly manufactured in the United States using premium materials and skilled craftsmanship.

History

The history of the Belize flag reflects the nation's journey from British colonial rule to independence. The coat of arms featured on the flag dates to January 28, 1907, when British Honduras (as Belize was then known) was granted official heraldic arms by the British Crown. These arms were based on badges worn by British soldiers stationed in the territory.

In 1950, the People's United Party (PUP) proposed an unofficial national flag featuring the coat of arms on a royal blue field. This flag flew unofficially over public buildings after local self-government was established in 1964, representing Belize's growing autonomy.

As Belize approached independence, a National Symbols Committee held a design competition receiving 80 submissions. The winning entry came from Everal Waight (Public Secretary) and Inez Sanchez (Chief Education Officer), who retained the blue background and coat of arms but added red horizontal stripes at the top and bottom.

The Belize flag was officially adopted on September 21, 1981, the day Belize gained full independence from the United Kingdom. At midnight, the Union Jack was lowered at Government House in Belize City, and the new Belize flag was hoisted for the first time. In 2019, the government standardized the flag design with specific color codes and refined details to ensure consistent reproduction.

Belize Flag Meaning: What Do the Colors on the Belize Flag Mean?

Understanding the Belize flag's meaning provides insight into the nation's political unity and diverse heritage. What do the colors on the Belize flag mean? Each element carries specific symbolism:

Royal Blue Field: The royal blue background represents the People's United Party (PUP), which led Belize's independence movement beginning in 1950. This color has deep significance in Belize's path to sovereignty.

Red Horizontal Stripes: The red stripes at the top and bottom represent the United Democratic Party (UDP), the major opposition political party. These stripes were added in 1981 to symbolize national unity by incorporating colors from both major political parties, demonstrating Belize's commitment to unity regardless of political affiliation.

White Disk and Coat of Arms: The white disk contains the national coat of arms, divided into three sections representing the industries that built Belize's economy:

• Left section: Axe and sledgehammer (woodcutting tools)

• Right section: Saw and ax (lumber industry tools)

• Bottom section: Sailing ship (maritime trade)

These elements symbolize the mahogany logging trade that brought British settlement and built Belize's early economy.

Mahogany Tree: Appears above the coat of arms, directly representing the timber industry central to Belize's historical development and economic foundation.

Human Figures: The two figures flanking the shield make Belize the only national flag in the world that prominently features human figures as a major design element:

• Left figure (Mestizo): Holds an axe, representing mestizo contribution to the logging industry

• Right figure (Afro-Belizean): Holds a paddle, honoring Afro-Belizean maritime heritage

Together, these figures celebrate the ethnic diversity of people who built Belize.

50 Leaves: A wreath of 50 leaves encircles the white disk, representing 1950 when the modern independence movement began under the People's United Party.

National Motto: The scroll bears "Sub Umbra Floreo" (Under the Shade, I Flourish), referring to the mahogany tree's shade and symbolizing growth and prosperity under independence.

Civil Flag vs. State Flag

Belize maintains a single official flag design featuring the complete coat of arms with human figures. This version is required for all maritime vessels and official government use. The flag's unique design with human figures makes it instantly recognizable among international flag states.

Maritime Requirements

Vessels sailing under the Belize Country Flag are required to have this flag on board as part of flag state requirements that derive from maritime regulations in the International Code of Signals and the International Safety Management (ISM) Code. These codes are published by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as an ongoing effort to reinforce maritime safety procedures and communications to the international maritime community.

Fleet management companies and ship owners are responsible for ensuring that each vessel in their respective fleets has the appropriate flag signage onboard to maintain compliance. This Belize flag is used to identify the flag state a vessel is sailing under and to communicate with other vessels under the provisions of the International Code of Signals.

Belize operates as an open registry flag state, with vessels registered under the Belize International Merchant Marine Registry. Vessels flying the Belize flag must comply with flag state regulations and carry appropriate publications as specified by Belizean maritime authorities.

Specifications

Additional Information

Why Choose American Nautical Services?

As maritime supply specialists, we understand the critical importance of proper flag state identification. Our Belize Country Flags are:

✓ Certified for maritime use

✓ Compliant with IMO standards

✓ Built to withstand marine environments

✓ Available for immediate shipment

✓ Backed by expert nautical supply service

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the official Belize flag meaning?

A: The Belize flag's meaning reflects political unity and diverse heritage. The royal blue represents the People's United Party that led independence, red stripes represent the United Democratic Party for national unity, and the coat of arms honors the logging and maritime industries that built the nation.

Q: When was the Belize flag adopted?

A: The history of the Belize flag dates to 1907 for the coat of arms, with the current complete flag design officially adopted on September 21, 1981, the day of independence.

Q: What do the colors on the Belize flag mean?

A: The royal blue represents the independence movement and PUP, red stripes represent the UDP and political unity, and white symbolizes peace and dignity.

Q: Is the Belize flag required for vessels?

A: Yes, vessels registered under the Belizean flag state must display the Belize Country Flag according to international maritime regulations including the International Code of Signals and ISM Code.

Q: What makes the Belize flag unique?

A: The Belize flag is the only national flag in the world that prominently features human figures as major design elements, representing the mestizo and Afro-Belizean peoples who built the nation.

Q: What do the 50 leaves on the Belize flag represent?

A: The wreath of 50 leaves encircling the coat of arms represents the year 1950, when Belize's modern independence movement began under the People's United Party.