Ecuador Flag

It is a tri-color flag, three horizontal bands with yellow at the top (double width from the other two colors) and right in the middle of the flag it is the Ecuador's shield or coat of arms.

The flags of Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela are very similar (they all have the same colors) because upon their independence in 1822 they formed a confederation called The Gran Colombia. After they separated in 1830, they all retained the same flag design.

The inspiration and design of Ecuador flag came from one of the leaders of South American Independence, General Francisco Gabriel de Miranda (1750-1816)

The bird on the Ecuador flag's coat of arms is an Andean Condor. This native South American bird is also on the arms of Bolivia, Chile and Colombia.

Ecuador Flag and the Meaning of Each Color

• YELLOW: This color is a bit wider than the other two and it means the Sun and the Gold of our ancestors. It is also a symbol of generosity.

  This color represents fertility and abundance of the Nation's crops and land. It also evokes the Federation of Greater Colombia, to which Ecuador belonged until 1830.

• BLUE: It means the Sky and the Sea of this country. It is also said that this color represents Ecuador's independence from Spain and its conquerors.
• RED: It means the Blood that our patriots and heroes gave for freedom. It represents the hardiness, bravery, strength and valor. The courage or the blood split by the soldiers and martyrs in the fight for Ecuador's independence from Spain.

Ecuador Flag and the Meaning of its Coat of Arms

Ecuador's coat of arms was first introduced in the constitution of this country in 1843. In 1860 it was changed to the present design and some minor changes occurred in 1900.

Four national furled flags act as supporters. Between them are palm and laurel branches symbolizing victory.

• The Condor: The big bird on top of the shield, stretches its wings to symbolize power, greatness and strength of Ecuador and stands ready to strike out against any enemy.
• The Snowcapped Mountain: This is Chimborazo Volcano rising against a blue sky.

  This is Ecuador's highest peak and the furthest point from the center of the Earth. It means the Height or Altitude of Ecuador.

• The River: Is the Guayas river and means the beauty of its waters symbolizing the wealth of the individual regions.
• The Ship: The ship on the river is named Guayas as well. In 1841 it was built in Guayaquil and was the first steamship in Ecuador and South America.

  This ship began service on October 9, 1841 and was built by Vicente Rocafuerte. It also means the commerce trade and navigation.

• The Leaves: The laurel on the left represents the victories of this nation.

  The palm leaf on the right side is a symbol of the martyrs of the fight for independence and liberty.

• The Sun: There's a white band across the sun and sky. It has the astrological signs of Aries, Taurus, Gemini and Cancer representing the months of March to July.

These months represent important dates in Ecuador's history, March 6th 1845, which saw the fall of the Flores' government; April 21st 1822, in which the Battle of Tapi took place, announcing the final victory of Sucre at the unprecedented Battle of Pichincha on May 24th 1822 and signifying the downfall of the Spanish regime.

And finally June 5th 1895, which marked the beginning of Liberalism and therefore entry into a new political era. to symbolize the duration of the March Revolution of 1845. The sun on Ecuador Flag also means the ancient Inca ancestors.

Brief History of Ecuador

The territories of the Vice-royalty: New Granada (Colombia), Venezuela, and Quito gained their independence between 1819 and 1822 and formed a federation known as the Gran Colombia. When Quito withdrew in 1830, the name of the new born country was changed to Republic of Ecuador.

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