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Galapagos Flag and Coat of Arms

The Galapagos Flag and Coat of Arms were designed by Mr. Hugo Enrique Salazar Castro



galapagos flag

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Salazar was a young policeman when he arrived to the Galapagos Islands in 1952.

Due to its manual abilities in sculpture, painting, carpentry and to its intelligence, the chief of police on San Cristobal Island invites him to participate in the public contest to create a Galapagos flag arranged by Enrique Vallejo who was the governor of the Galapagos Islands on 1961.

The policeman Hugo Salazar won the contest with his creation, and here is a full flag description:

The Green Color: represents the lush vegetation of the islands, mainly in the highlands. The Galapagos soil in the highlands is also fertile making it possible to be cultivated by its inhabitants.

The White Color: stands for the proud and the aspirations of Galapagos inhabitants. It also represents the lowlands (semi-arid) of Galapagos Islands on which xerophytic vegetation is abundant.

The Blue Color: represents the Pacific Ocean on which the islands are located. They are blessed with rich and abundant marine life (now is the second marine reserve in the world).

Galapagos Coat of Arms:

galapagos coat of arms
The shield is dived in four. The quarter in the upper left shows some volcanoes and one of them in eruption.

It is a reminder of the volcanic origin of the Galapagos Islands and its constant volcanic activity.

The quarter in the upper right shows a ship sailing in the Ocean.

It is believed to be the ship named Mercedes that departed from Ecuador in 1832 to take possession of the Islands.

In the lower left quarter appears a cornucopia which represents the prosperity and wealth of the Islands.

The lower right quarter is represented by the Galapagos flag.

In the middle of the coat of arms is the Galapagos Tortoise which is the symbol of the Galapagos Islands and also the animal after which the islands were named.

The upper half of the shield (in blue) has thirteen silver stars that represent largest Islands.

The Galapagos Islands are located in the Equator thus the Equatorial line appears right in the middle of the coat of arms from left to right.

The coat of arms has a torch in flames at the top and is surrounded by two olive branches on each side.

The official name of Galapagos is Archipelago de Colón but it is better known as Galapagos Islands worldwide.

The Galapagos flag was designed and created in 1961. The Galapagos Islands became a province of Ecuador in 1973.

See Beautiful Galapagos Islands Pictures here

The Galapagos Islands are a National Park and with its Marine Reserve were both declared World Heritage sites.

The Capital city of Galapagos is Baquerizo Moreno And this Archipelago was officially discovered in 1535 by a Spanish Bishop named Tomás de Berlanga.


Galapagos Recommended Reading:

Galapagos: A Natural History
This is an attractive and comprehensive guidebook. You will find an easy-to-use text which details the natural history of the plants and animals found in the Galapagos Islands. Visitor information about the various tourist sites are given. (This book is the "Bible" for all travelers to the Galapagos)

Wildlife of the Galapagos (Traveller's Guide)
Wildlife of the Galapagos is the most superbly illustrated and comprehensive identification guide ever to the natural splendor of these incomparable Islands. It really reveals the Archipelago's striking beauty. (It is a well-written, informative text).

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If you have any questions about the Galapagos Flag or the Islands, Please post them on our Galapagos FAQ Page And if you'd like to request more information about our recommended Galapagos Tour Packages to explore this Archipelago, You can Contact us here

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