The flag of Belize is one of the most intricate flags in the world. The main color of the flag is blue with two red horizontal stripes at the top and bottom of the flag and the coat of arms in the middle. The flag was adopted on September 21, 1981 and standardized on August 28, 2019.
In the center of the flag is the coat of arms of Belize, which depicts two men - one black and one mestizo. It is the only national flag in the world that depicts a human being.
The mestizo man is holding an axe, symbolizing Belize's origins as a logging outpost, and the black man is holding a paddle, indicating the importance of the coast. Between them is a tree, which was an important resource for the first settlers. The shield is divided into three segments, each of which depicts tools symbolizing woodcutters, fishermen, and farmers. The coat of arms also depicts the national motto of Belize - "Under the shade I thrive".
The design of the Belizean flag does not follow the traditional rules of representing a nation. While the flags of Japan, Canada, and the United States clearly identify nations, the flag of Belize requires additional analysis and study. The flag of Belize embodies the essence and importance of the nation, given its complex cultural and historical heritage.
Belize needed to develop a flag design that would symbolize the country's independence. Instead of entrusting this work to a single designer, a competition was organized. In the end, an unofficial national flag was chosen, called the "Flag of Unity." This project was presented by two government officials. The first appearance of the new flag took place in 1981 and became a source of pride for all Belizeans. This design has become a symbol of the free nation of Belize and its national character.
In 2019, following the approval of the People's United Party's flag design, the government of Belize agreed to standardize the flag. The standardization process included discussions on colors and symbol placement. The commission subsequently determined that the standardized flags should be raised on September 1, 2019. The flag plays an important role for Belizeans who have survived centuries of oppression. The story of one Belizean citizen who found a damaged flag after the September 11 terrorist attack in New York shows the symbolic importance of this national symbol. The volunteer handed the flag over to firefighters, who handed it over to the Belize Mission. The flag was received by the Museum of Belize as a gift that symbolizes the solidarity of the two peoples who fought for independence and represents their struggle and liberation.
