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Costa Rica Patriotic Simbols:

The Patriotic Symbols are the emblems that represent the effort and soul of the Costa Rican population.

Costa Rica National Flag

The flag of Costa Rica was officially adopted on November 27, 1906. Costa Rica has changed of flags from 1786 to the present. First it was the flag of Spain decreed by Carlos III (1786-1821) and the second one of Mexico (1822-1823), decreed by Generalissimo Agustín de Iturbide.

In 1823, after its separation of the Mexican Empire, Costa Rica it adopted one third flag, that was white with a red star of six sides in the center. In 1824, when the United Provinces of Central America are united, Costa Rica adopted like fourth flag the federal, which was inspired by the flag of Argentina and had three horizontal strips, blue inferior and superior and white the center. Later to the secession, new flag is adopted. The tradition establishes that the conception and design corresponded to Doña Pacifica Fernandez Oreamuno, wife of Doctor Jose Maria Castro Madriz, inspired by the flag of France.

The colors represent:

• Blue: it represents the sky of the country.
• White: it represents the peace.
• Red: it represents the blood of the martyrs for independence.

Costa Rica Coat of Arms

The present National Shield of Costa Rica was promulgated the 29 of September of 1848; during the administration of Doctor Jose Maria Castro Madriz. These arms were modified substantially by the Law number 18 in November 27 of 1906 in which was suppressed the warlike elements that it had.

The official model of the shield that was elaborated in that opportunity was still more there, since it changed the form of the shield and also suppressed to the national flags and the horn of the abundance that it had. In 1964 it underwent a new change when two stars were added to him more to complete seven, one by each province.

The present shield represents: three volcanoes (each one of three mountain ranges that crosses the country) and an extensive valley between the two oceans (the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea) and in each one of these a merchant ship (representing the marine history of the country). In the horizon a rising Sun is appraised, everything locked up in a golden frame that represents the gold grain (the coffee). Two palms of Mirto close the shield united by a tape with the legend "Republic of Costa Rica" in golden letters. The seven stars in arc represent the provinces of the Republic. The closing forms a blue tape that serves as crown with Central America legend.

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