Flag of the Organization of American States

The flag of the Organization of American States (OAS) is a powerful symbol of continental cooperation and the shared values of the nations of the Americas. Its design, rich with symbolic meaning, represents the unity and diversity of the member states, their commitment to democracy, human rights, security, and integral development. The flag is a visual testament to the OAS's long-standing mission to foster a community of nations dedicated to peace and mutual prosperity across the Western Hemisphere.

Design and Symbolism

The flag of the Organization of American States is a dark blue rectangular banner. At its center is a white circle bordered in gold. Inside this circle is the organization's symbol, which consists of a group of flags of all 35 member states, raised on golden flagpoles. The order of the flags is determined by the Spanish alphabet, starting with Antigua and Barbuda in the bottom left corner and proceeding clockwise to Venezuela in the bottom right corner.

• Dark Blue Background: The deep blue color of the background symbolizes the vast expanse of the American continents and the oceans that connect them. This color is associated with peace, stability, and mutual understanding, reflecting the key principles of the OAS.

• White Circle with Gold Border: The white circle symbolizes peace and purity of intentions. The gold border represents the wealth and prosperity of the continent.

• Flags of Member States: The group of 35 flags, raised on golden flagpoles, is the most important element. It symbolizes the unity and equality of all members, emphasizing that no country has precedence over another. The circular arrangement of the flags visually reinforces the idea of solidarity and cohesion.

Dimensions and Proportions

The official flag's proportions are generally standardized to 2:3, aligning with many national flags. The emblem in the center occupies a significant portion of the banner, ensuring its clear visibility.

History of Creation and Adoption

The OAS was officially founded in 1948 with the signing of the OAS Charter in Bogotá, Colombia, as a successor to the International Union of American Republics. The current flag design was adopted on April 28, 1965, at the Inter-American Conference in Rio de Janeiro. The flag was created to provide the organization with a recognizable and unique visual identity, distinct from the flags of individual member states, and to reflect its core principles of solidarity and mutual respect.

Countries and Regions

The OAS is composed of 35 member states, which include all independent countries of North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean. The vast geographic and cultural diversity of this region is a key aspect of the organization's identity and its work.

Interesting Facts

• The order of the flags on the emblem is strictly determined by the Spanish alphabet, symbolizing equality and organization.

• The flag is often displayed alongside the flags of the member states at official meetings, highlighting the collective presence of the entire Western Hemisphere.

• Through its flag and other symbols, the OAS promotes a shared identity among the peoples of the Americas.

• The flag's design has remained largely unchanged since its adoption, a testament to its enduring relevance and symbolic power.

In the demonstration images, full-size flags are shown with proportions of 2:3, and hand-held flags with proportions of 1:2.