Flag of the savior

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The flag of El Salvador is the flag that represents the country, and which, together with the coat of arms and the national anthem, has the category of patriotic symbol. It consists of a rectangle divided into three colored stripes with the representation of the Central American countries. The flag was the inspiration for the flag of the Central American Federation in 1823, the colors were chosen by Manuel José Arce who appointed him as head of the Salvadoran militiamen who fought the annexation of the United Provinces of Central America to Mexico in 1822. In 1865, El Salvador experienced one of its first flag changes in a transcendent way. Conservative President Francisco Dueñas decreed a profound change in the national flag, which began to be inspired by the American flag.

On May 17, 1912, the Legislative Branch adopted it as a national symbol, taking it back as the first national flag but with cobalt blue. The initiative came from the President of the Republic, Dr. Manuel Enrique Araujo, who hoisted it for the first time on September 15 of that same year in the Presidential Tribune of the Campo de Marte and thus officially made it the new national symbol. The flag was also dedicated by a prayer created by David J. Guzmán in 1916 to dedicate the Salvadoran people to their homeland.

The flag as a national symbol is used by the Government and state institutions, with different variants in its preparation depending on the use given to it by the diplomatic, civil or military corps.

Description

Dimensions and designs

Official construction of the magna flag.

The sizes differ slightly between them, being the dimensions of the Magna Flag 3.35 meters long and 1.89 meters high (335:189), the first civil flag has a dimension of 1 meter long and 60 centimeters high (5:3), and the second must be put a dimension of 1.45 meters long and 90 centimeters high (29:18). In the cases that are required, a smaller or larger flag may also be used, but as long as the proportions are respected.

The design is based on the flag of the United Provinces of Central America, conceived by Manuel José Arce, who in turn was inspired by the flag of the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata, which today is Argentina.

Colors and Symbolism

El Salvador Shield with historically correct colors and proportions

The row of five volcanoes on the shield were inspired by the Cordillera de Apaneca-Llamatepec., visible from the city of Sonsonate, which was the capital of the Federal Republic of Central America in 1834.

The Flag of El Salvador consists of three equal horizontal stripes, the two blue ones that are at the top and the bottom, and the white one is located in the center of the flag. The current variation is distinguished in There are three types depending on its use, the Magna Flag is carried with the National Shield in the central stripe, civil use has two versions: the first leaves the central stripe blank, and the second carries a Salvadoran motto on the center strip.

According to the modern interpretation of colors and their meaning:

Cobalt blue: represents the sky that covers the Salvadoran homeland, and the two oceans that bathe in the Central American isthmus, the Atlantic and the Pacific.
White: represents the peace that dominates the country and the harmony, that is to say the agreement and harmony that must exist among the people who inhabit this nation.
Amber (for civil use): represents the writing of his slogan of El Salvador.

Denomination	Cobalt blue	White	Amber
Pantone	2145c	Safe	7548c
RGB	0-71-171	255-255	255-191-0
CMYK	C100-M58-Y0-K33	C0-M0-Y0-K0	C0-M25-Y100-K0
RGB Hex.	#0047AB	#FFFFFF	#FFBF00

And the motto "Dios Unión Libertad" are represented in three words of each one painted in the amber color of the civil flag:

God: The belief in higher power that governs everything.
Union: The will that must exist to create a single nation based on dialogue, reason and consensus.
Freedom: The indomitable libertarian spirit of the people, through which they can express their own opinions.

Flag Magna (Office). Ratio: 189:335
First flag for civilian use. Ratio 3:5
Second flag for civilian use. Ratio 3:5

Other Flags of El Salvador

The Presidential Band consists of the same design as the flag, except that the National Shield is large, which goes through the blue stripes, and is worn across the torso to symbolize the head of state of Government who carries it on his chest crosswise from the right shoulder to the left side, joining the ends at waist height.

Use

The law was approved in 1972, published in the Official Gazette No. 171, volume No. 236, of September 14 of that year, which decreed three kinds of official national flags: The magna, the use in public buildings and offices and parades and each of them will have different measurements, which must be taken into account.

Article 8: The magna flag shall be used at times when meetings, meetings or acts involving the three branches of the State or on the occasion of the celebrations of the country dates.
Article 10: The flag of use in buildings and public offices shall be of compulsory use in all buildings and units of the State and shall be placed in an honorary place in the office of the respective head. In the national holiday days, it will rise at six hours and be arrived at eighteen hours.
Article 11: The parade flag must measure one metre forty-five centimeters long by ninety centimeters wide and will be held by a cylindrical height of two metres fifty centimeters long by four centimeters in diameter. The asta will end in a gold-colored spear shaped like rombo and sharp towards the sides, and at the tip; and thick in the middle line linking the angles. In the union of the spear with the asta will be fixed two two-metre long slats: one white and another blue, six-centimeter wide each. In the white slat, the name of the board must be recorded, and in the blue slat the domicile, in golden letters. The white strip of the parade flag will bear in golden letters the inscription: GOD UNION LIBERTAD.
Article 12: The official delegations appointed by the Government of the Republic to represent the country abroad, when for their mission they have to bear flag, it will be used in public buildings and offices, with the Arms Shield, with all their blasons.
Article 14: National or Salvadoran ships will use the national flag in accordance with treaties, conventions or special provisions.

Presidential Sash

President Nayib Bukele with the presidential band of El Salvador.

The presidential sash can only be worn by the President of the Republic.

History of the Flag

1823-1838: Flag and coat of arms used by the province of El Salvador during the Federal Period

El Salvador, as part of the United Provinces of Central America, adopted the flag and coat of arms approved by the National Constituent Assembly of Central America, according to Legislative Decree No. 29 of August 21, 1823. The Flag of the United Provinces of Central America consisted of three horizontal stripes: blue at the top and bottom, and white at the center. This is the aforementioned legislative decree:

LEGISLATIVE DECRETO CREADOR del ESCUDO AND THE BANDERA DECADE OF THE PROVINCIES OF THE AMERICAN CENTRE
DECEMBER 29
The National Constituent Assembly of the United Provinces of the Centre of America has well decreed and decreed:
Article 1 The Arms Shield of the United Provinces of the Centre of America will be an equilateral triangle; on its base there will be a five-volcano mountain range, on a land that is covered by both seas; on the top, a rainbow that covers them and under the arch, the cap of freedom spreading lights. Around the triangle and in circular figure will be written with gold letters: “PROVINCIES OF THE AMERICA CENTRE”.
Article 2 This shield will be placed in all posts and public offices replaced by provisions of previous Governments.
Article 3 The great seal of the nation, that of the Secretariat of this Assembly, that of government agents, and courts of justice, shall bear all the same shield.
Article 4 The national pavilion for the ports and for all kinds of vessels belonging to this new state will consist of three horizontal, blue top and bottom, and white the one of the center in which the shield that designates Article 1 will be drawn. In the gallardetes the fajas will be placed perpendicularly by the order expressed. From the same pavilion will use this government's envoys to foreign nations. In the merchant ships the flags and gallardetes will not bear shield, and in the center's face will be written with silver letters: GOD, UNION, FREEDOM.
Article 5 The flags and banners of such living military bodies, as well as of provincial militia while remaining, shall be fixed to the provisions of the preceding article: Their fajas shall always be horizontal, at the top the words: GOD, UNION, FREEDOMand in the lower class and number of each body. In infantry both inscriptions shall be with letters of gold, and in cavalry with letters of silver.
Article 6 The bodies of civic force shall have their flags and banners in accordance with the provisions of article 70 of the law of ten and eight of the current.
Article 7 By communicating this decree to the government you will be accompanied by designs of the national blazon and pavilion for the easiest intelligence of what is prevented:
Contact the Supreme Executive Branch for compliance, and make it print, publish and circulate. Given in Guatemala to 21 August 1823 – José Barrundia: President Member – Mariano Gálvez: Representative Secretary – Mariano de Córdoba: Representative Secretary – to the Supreme Executive Branch.
Therefore we command to keep, fulfill and execute all your parts.
It will be understood by the secretary of the office, and will be printed, published and circulated. Guatemala National Palace October 3, 1823 – Antonio Rivera: President – Pedro Molina – Juan Vicente Villacorta. To the citizen Manuel Julián Ibarra.
And in order of the Supreme Executive Power I insert it to V. for its intelligence and consequent purposes: God, Union, Freedom.
Guatemalan National Palace October 3, 1823. M. Julián Ibarra.

1851-1853: Flag and coat of arms of the National Representation of Central America

On November 8, 1849, the States of Nicaragua, El Salvador and Honduras agreed in the city of León (Nicaragua) on a Pact of Confederation, which should be settled by means of a Diet. The National Representation of Central America was solemnly installed on January 9, 1851, in Chinandega, head of the department of the same name. It was made up of Pablo Buitrago Benavente and Hermenegildo Zepeda Fernández for Nicaragua, José Guerrero for Honduras, Francisco Barrundia and José Silva for El Salvador. The board of directors was immediately organized, with Hermenegildo Zepeda Fernández being named president, José Silva First Secretary and Pablo Buitrago Benavente Second Secretary.

On April 22, 1851, the National Representation of Central America declared the blue and white flag and the shield of the Central American Confederation mandatory. In the official newspaper, Gaceta del Salvador, Volume 3, Number 4, of May 30, 1851, the following legislative decree appears:

NATIONAL DIET. The following documents will inform our readers that the National Diet constantly deals with all the objects under its authority. It has already decreed the Pavilion and coat of arms of the Nation and is responsible for uniforming tariffs and tariffs in all ports and all matters concerning trade and sterile relations.
Ministry of Internal Relations of the National Government of Central America=D.U.L.=Leon, May 15, 1851.=Mr. Senior Minister of the Supreme Government of the State of the Saviour.=The President of the National Representation of Central America has served to address the decree that follows. The President of the National Representation of Central America to the governments of the States of the Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua.=Because the same National Representation of Central America has decreed the following.=The National Representation of Central America, CONSIDERINGthat it is necessary to designate the badges that must constitute the emblem of the union of the confederate States, has come to decree and decree.
ART. 1o.- The coat of arms of the Central American union will be an equilateral triangle.- At its base there will appear a three-volcan mountain range placed on a ground that is covered by both seas, on the vertice the rainbow that covers them and under the arch the cap of Liberty spreading lights, and with three stars on the top.- Around the triangle and in circular figure it will be written in letters of gold, FEDERATION OF CENTRE-AMÉRICA.
Art. 2o.- This shield will be placed in all posts and public offices of the Jeneral Government.
Art. 3. The great seal of the union, and that of the diplomatic outsiders will bear the same emblem: that of the secretariats will have the inscription corresponding to the branch of relations respective in the form of a horizontal oval; in the center three volcanoes, and upon them a radiant sun.
Art. 4o.- The flag of the Nation shall consist of three horizontal, blue, upper and lower and white strips of the center, in which the shield designated by Article 1 shall be drawn.
Art. 5o.- This pavilion will be used in all ports, in all kinds of national vessels and by the union envoys: in the gallardetes the fajas will be placed vertically by the oppressed order.
Art. 6o.- In the merchant ships, the pavilion will not bear shield, and on the roof of the center will be written in gold letters, D.U.L.
Art. 7o.- The flags and banners of the federal army will be arranged in accordance with Article 4. With only the difference of writing on the upper side the words, D.U.L. and on the lower the class and number of each body.- In infantry and artillery, both inscriptions shall be in letters of gold, and in those of cavalry in letters of silver.
Given in Leon, April 22, 1851.- Hermenejildo ZepedaPresident. - Pablo BuitragoSrio.
Therefore, Execute and Pub for those who correspond- Hermenejildo Zepeda.=To the secretary of the office of sterile relations in charge of the interiors.=And of order of the same Mr. President transfer him to U. for the knowledge of that Supreme Government and the related effects, waiting for his corresponding receipt.=Your attentive servant.-Signed-P. Buitrago.=It is consistent: San Salvador, May 27, 1851.

1865-1912: Flag and coat of arms used by the Republic of El Salvador

In the official newspaper El Constitucional, Tomo I, no.:

MINISTERY OF EXTERNAL RELATIONS AND PUBLIC INSTRUCTION.
Government Decree designating the colors of the national pavilion and attributes of the coat of arms of the Republic.
El Presidente de la República del Salvador:
Completed by the decree of the Legislative Corps of 14 February that empowers it to designate the colors of the national pavilion and the attributes of the arms shield, the following has been decreed:
Article 1. -The national pavilion will consist of five blue and four white fajas: the width of these fajas will be nine inches and its length from three to four chaplain rods. At the immediate top of the top, it will carry an incarnated picture of a rod by side; in which nine white stars of five outgoing angles will be placed each, representing the nine departments of the Republic.
Art. 2nd. -The above flag will be the merchant. The war will have the same colors and dimensions and in the incarnate picture that has been mentioned, will have the coat of arms of the Republic, taking to the reverse the nine stars of the departments.
Art. 3rd. -The national arms shield will be the same as the former Central American federation with the following modifications:
1a. - Instead of the five volcanoes representing the five states of the federation there will be only one active imitating the Izalco:
2a. -In the upper space of the painting that should contain this volcano the same nine stars will be placed forming a semi-circle:
3a. - The new flag of the Republic will appear at the base of the shield:
4a. - The hat of freedom will rest on the part where the horns of abundance are joined that descend on both sides of the picture:
5a. -In the form of a semi-circle you will read between light rays: 15 September 1821, leaving the cap in the centre of it; and
6a. - The shield will be given a circular strip in whose circumference this legend will appear: Republic of Salvador in Central America.
Art. 4th. The Minister of Relations shall be responsible for the implementation and publication of this decree.
Given in San Salvador, 28 April 1865.
Francisco Dueñas.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Public Instruction
Gregorio Arbizú.

1896-1898: Flag and coat of arms of the Greater Republic of Central America

Upon assuming the public office of President of Nicaragua on September 16, 1893, General José Santos Zelaya López promised to work for the reappearance of the Central American Homeland, since Nicaragua was a disintegrated portion of the Republic of Central America. General Zelaya López took advantage of the friendship with the presidents of Honduras and El Salvador, doctor Policarpo Bonilla and general Rafael Antonio Gutiérrez to promote the union of the three republics, because the presidents of Costa Rica and Guatemala did not show interest in such a union.

On June 20, 1895, the plenipotentiaries of Nicaragua, El Salvador and Honduras, doctors Don Manuel Coronel Matus, Don Jacinto Castellanos and Don Constantino Fiallos, respectively, signed in the port of Amapala (Honduras) the Treaty of Union that is known with the name of "Amapala Pact"; which establishes the Republics of Nicaragua, El Salvador and Honduras in a single political entity for the exercise of their sovereignty under the name of the Greater Republic of Central America. This denomination will persist until the Republics of Guatemala and Costa Rica voluntarily accept this agreement, in which case it will be called the Republic of Central America.

In article number eleven of said agreement, the flag and coat of arms of the old federation are adopted, varying only the currency or legend. On August 3, 1895, the Treaty of Amapala was ratified by the President of the Republic, thus officially including Nicaragua within the Greater Republic of Central America. After the ratification of the treaty by the three aforementioned governments, the Diet of the Greater Republic of Central America was installed in San Salvador (the Salvadoran capital).

The Constituent Congress met in the city of Managua (the capital of Nicaragua) on August 27, 1898, and approved the Constitution of the United States of Central America. Shortly after the union came to an end due to the coup d'état by General Tomás Regalado (1898-1903), who deposed the President of the Republic, General Rafael Antonio Gutiérrez, on November 13, 1898, and immediately declared the separation of this country; breaking the pact signed in Amapala and finalizing the ideal of Central American unity of General José Santos Zelaya López, for which El Salvador returned to use its previous national flag and shield.

Current flag and coat of arms

Creation and Legislative Law of 1912

The current flag and coat of arms of the country were created by Legislative Decree of May 17, 1912, published in the Official Gazette No. 125, Volume No. 72, of May 30, 1912, being President of the Republic doctor Manuel Enrique Araujo, and whose text is the following:

DECRATIVE LEGISLATIVE DECRATOR OF THE BANDERA AND NATIONAL SCUDO OF THE SALVADOR
The National Legislative Assembly of the Republic of El Salvador, in use of the faculty conferred on it by the 16th Article. 67 of the Constitution, and at the initiative of the executive branch,
RIGHT:
Article 1 Adopt for the Republic of El Salvador, with the amendments to be expressed, the coat of arms and the Central American Pavilion, decreed by the National Constituent Assembly of the United Provinces of the Centre of America, dated 21 August 1823.
Accordingly:
One. El Salvador's Arms Shield will be an equilateral triangle. At its base will appear the five-volcano mountain range, placed on a ground that is covered by both seas: at the top a rainbow covering them: under the arch, the cap of freedom spreading lights, and in the form of a semi-circle will be read between its rays 15 SEPTEMBER 1821. Around the triangle, and in a circular figure, it will be written in letters of gold: REPUBLIC OF THE SALVADOR IN THE CENTRAL AMERICA, and at the base of the triangle: GOD, UNION and FREEDOM.
Two. This Shield will be placed in all ports and public offices.
3o. The great seal of the Nation, that of the Secretariat of the National Assembly, that of the agents of the Government and Courts of Justice, will carry the same Escudo.
Four. The National Pavilion for the ports and ships, will consist of three horizontal strips, blue the upper and lower and white the center, in which the shield will be drawn before described. In the gallardetes the fajas will be placed perpendicularly, by the order expressed. From the same Pavilion will use the Government Envoys to the foreign nations. In the merchant ships the flags and gallardets will not bear shield and in the center belt will be written with silver letters: GOD, UNION and FREE.
Five. The banners and banners of the Military Corps will be arranged as provided in the previous issue. Its fajas will always be horizontal: in the center the blazon will be drawn: in the top the words will be written: GOD, UNION AND LIBERTAD, and in the lower the class and number of each Body. In infantry and artillery both inscriptions shall be with letters of gold, and in cavalry, with letters of silver.
Art. 2o.- The Decree of 28 April 1865 is repealed.
Art. 3o.- This Decree will have the force of law since September 15 of the current year.
Given in the Legislative Power Sessions Hall. National Palace: San Salvador at the ten and seven days of the month of May, a thousand nine hundred and twelve.
F. Cowboy,
President.
Juan Mena,
1st. Pro-Srio.
R. Quintanilla,
Two. Pro-Srio.
National Palace: San Salvador, May 27, 1912.
Execute yourself:
Manuel E. Araujo.
The Undersecretary of State in the War and Marine Offices,
Eusebio Bracamonte.

Reform of the previous Legislative Decree in 1916

The creator of the national coat of arms, Rafael Barraza Rodríguez, won the contest to design the current coat of arms; he who added two elements that are not included in the previous legislative decree, but that were accepted for aesthetic reasons, which are the five flags behind the equilateral triangle and the laurel wreath. The Legislative Decree of March 20, 1916, published in the Official Gazette No. 72, Volume No. 80, of March 27, 1916, had to be made to officially accept the two aforementioned elements and to introduce new regulations to the national flag, whose text is the following:

LEGISLATIVE DECEMBER FOR THE BANDERA AND NATIONAL SCUDO OF THE SALVADOR
The National Legislative Assembly of the Republic of El Salvador,
CONSIDERING:
that by Legislative Decree of 17 May 1912, the coat of arms and the national pavilion were established;
that the Ministry of War through its Chiefs of Officers contested the design of the arms shield, and then approved one of the designs presented;
that even when they retain the essential softness of the coat of arms, they were adorned with other badges that are not determined by the Legislative Decree mentioned, being with such badges that have been used;
that it is therefore necessary to give force of law to the use of the shield;
that it is also necessary to regulate in a general way the use of the arms shield and the national pavilion, for which respect should be taken into consideration due to such badges and the different forms and circumstances in which it is used;
TANTO:
In use of its powers under article 68, paragraph 16, of the Political Constitution,
RIGHT:
Art. 1o.- To the first article of the law of 17 May quoted, published in the Official Journal of 30 of the same month, it is added:...”From the triangle there will be five pavilions of El Salvador, two to each side of the triangle and one on the upper vertex of the same. Under the legend “God-Union-Libertad” will carry two branches of laurel intertwined, in circular form, until finished in the two upper lateral flags.
Art. 2o.- The second article is added:
“It can be used in the furniture or vehicles (Carrozas, automobiles, boats etc.) of national ownership, and in the role of correspondence of the Supreme Powers of the State.
The coat of arms may also be used in the Republic by any person or institution; but only on the occasion of a national party or duel or when authorization has been expressly granted by the Supreme Executive Branch.
In the latter cases the coat of arms will not have the legends: “Republic of El Salvador in Central America” or “God-Union-Libertad”, and the pavilions that come out of the triangle may be separated or attached to it or the shield will be used without them. Neither will he carry the branches of laurel.
Art. 3o.- The third article is added: “with all your blasons.”
Art. 4o.- To the fourth article where he says “in which the shield will be drawn before described,” he adds: “with all his blazons.”
Art. 5o.- In the fifth article, the part that describes the banners and banners remains: “their faces shall always be horizontal; in the middle shall bear the triangle of the shield of arms, with all its inner blasons; in the top, the words “God-Union-Libertad”, and in the lower, the class and number of each Body.” Follow the article without modification.
Art. 6o.- The offices of the Supreme Powers and of any official or municipal institution may use the National Pavilion, without shield; but carrying the words “God-Union-Libertad”. The same pavilion may use the particular institutions, subject to express authorization by the Supreme Executive Branch, who may also authorize both the latter and the official or municipal institutions to use a special motto in the pavilion.
Art. 7o.- Any person or institution is empowered to use in the territory of the Republic, or the Salvadorans outside the Republic, the national colours in gallardetes, pavilions or other form; but in this case the pavilions may not carry any of the blasons of the coat of arms or slogans of any kind; without prejudice to the provisions of the previous articles. This use is limited to national holiday days or duels and to all those in which an event of general or local importance will be held.
Art. 8o.- All those who use or order the use of the coat of arms or the national pavilion in another way or in another way prescribed by law shall be punished by a Government fine 50 pesos for every violation.
Art. 9o.- The Supreme Executive Branch shall regulate cases and conditions in which individuals or special institutions may be authorized to use the shield of weapons or special slogans in the ward.
Art. 10o.- The seal used previously adorned with the adiments that until today prescribes this reform is legal.
Article 11 This law shall enter into force from the day of its publication.
Given in the Legislative Power Sessions Hall. National Palace: San Salvador, March 20, nine hundred and sixteen.
J. M. Batres,
President.
Lucilo Villalta,
2nd Pro-Srio.
José F. Morales,
Srio. Int.
National Palace: San Salvador, March 24, 1916.
Run,
C. Melendez.
The Minister of War,
Enrique Córdoba.

Historical summary

The following table shows a summary of the official and historical flags since 1822.

Evolution of the Flag of El Salvador

Flag	Adopted	Completed
	Adopted 20 February 1822. It was the first national flag of the Province of San Salvador designed by Manuel José Arce was the flag used to defend the state of El Salvador against the Mexican-Guatemalcan invasion to submit El Salvador to the Mexican Empire. This then became the first flag of Central America, of the United Provinces of Central America and later of the Federal Republic of Central America, with the basic design of three strips (two blues and one white in the center) symbolizing as part of Central America, based on the dark blue flag of an Argentine flag of 1818-1820 introduced by Hippolyte Bouchard March 18, 1819 when he arrived in El Salvador. The Argentine flag in turn was inspired by the blue color of Casa de Borbón	9 February 1823
	Adopted 1 July 1823. The flag of the United Provinces of Central America was a union of El Salvador with Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. It was adapted on August 21, 1823	22 November 1824
	Adopted 1 July 1823. The military flag of the United Provinces of Central America with the national motto and the initials of the national battalion	22 November 1824
	Adopted in 1823. (Salvadoran State Flag) within the United Province of Central America	1824
	Adopted 22 November 1824. The flag of the Federal Republic of Central America was a union of El Salvador with Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica between 1824 and 1838.	February 1841
	Adopted in 1824. (Salvadoran State Flag) within the Federal Republic of Central America	1841
	Adopted in 1842, The Second Central American Confederation under the presidency of Francisco Morazán	1844
	Adopted in 1851 Federación de Centro América union between El Salvador and Nicaragua	1853
	Adopted in 1853. The second national flag of the Republic of El Salvador with the shield visibly inspired to the United Provinces of Central America	1859
	Adopted in 1860. Third national flag of the Republic of El Salvador under the presidency of Gerardo Barrios. The historical triangular shape shield is abandoned and a shield is adopted in the form of medieval heater	9 May 1865
	Adopted May 9, 1865 by Francisco Dueñas, the fourth national flag was a flag similar to the United States, with colors inverted between red and blue. The stars in the red picture represent the departments of the country, and five blue and four white bars; also on the back of the flag was a national shield of El Salvador in the red picture. It began with nine stars, adapting on May 9, 1865. The flag was adopted as a form of protest against Guatemalan President Rafael Carrera, who had monarchical ideals for Central America and changed the Guatemalan flag by adding the colors of the Spanish monarchy, and threatening to join the Second Mexican Empire and annex the rest of Central America. In response, El Salvador chose the flag of the United States, which served as a symbol of democratic republic, freedom and anti-monarchy, as the new design for the new flag of the republic of El Salvador. The new flag was a symbol that El Salvador rejected the idea of a monarchy and identified with the republican political system of the United States. Also on the back of the flag was a national shield of El Salvador in the red picture. Thus El Salvador abandons in his flag the symbolism of the five former federal states represented by five volcanoes and replacements with a single volcano to indicate that El Salvador was a totally different and sepractice entity to the rest of Central America, leaving behind the federation and attempts to bring it together, which had caused so many wars.	June 1865
	Update June 1865. The fourth national flag was updated with eleven stars in the red picture, lasting four years.	1869
	Update in 1869. the fourth national flag was updated for the second time but with twelve stars in the red picture, lasting four years.	1873
	Update in 1873. The fourth National Flag was updated for the third time but with thirteen stars in the red picture	1877
	Update in 1877. The fourth national flag was updated for the fourth time but with fourteen stars in the red picture. Update in 1877 (reverse). The reverse of the flag changed the position on the opposite side.	1912
	Adopted in 1896 (Republic of Central America) in union with El Salvador with Honduras, and Nicaragua that lasted from 1896 to 1898.	1897
	Update in 1897. (Republic of Central America) and then the United States of Central America was added five golden stars to the flag in 1898.	1898
	Adopted in 1896, (Salvadoran State Flag) within the Republic of Central America and the United States of Central America	1898
	Adopted in 1921. The Republic of Central America was the last union of El Salvador with Guatemala and Honduras. The flag was inspired by ancient flags of Central American unions	1922
	Adopted in 1921, (Salvadoran State Flaginside The Republic of Central America 1921-1922. This would be the last state flag of El Salvador and the last time El Salvador was part of a Central American Union	1922
	Adopted on 17 May 1912. The fifth and last national flag of the Republic of El Salvador is similar as its first national flag but with cobalt blue. It was adapted from 17 May 1912 by President Manuel Enrique Araujo after the inspiration of the Central American flags. The National Shield was designed by Rafael Barraza Rodríguez when he placed in the center of the flag. The flag was adopted as a way of protesting Nicaragua's U.S. Occupation in 1912, to regain the sense of Central American Reunification. The second flag bears the national motto (Union GOD LIBERTAD) in lyrics Roman square capitals of amber color docking	News

Historical flags

Flag	Adopted	Abandoned
	Adopted approx.1200, flag of the Lord of Cuzcatlán	1528
	Imposed in 1525, Province of San Salvador (1528-1578) within the Spanish Empire	1701
	Imposed in 1701, Mayor of San Salvador within the Spanish Empire	1760
	Imposed in 1760, Mayor of San Salvador within the Spanish Empire	1785
	Imposition in 1785, Intendence of San Salvador within the Viceroyalty of New Spain	15 September 1821