Flag of Laos
countryThe flag of Laos was adopted on December 2, 1975 to a design by Maha Sila Viravong. Horizontal triband with a double-width blue band and white disc. It uses 3 colours: red, blue and white. The official proportions are 2:3.
Hoist
Ratio 2:3
Fly
Basic Flag Information
| Flag Name | Flag of Laos |
|---|---|
| Country | Laos |
| Official Country Name | Lao People's Democratic Republic |
| Capital | Vientiane |
| Continent | Asia |
| Region | South-Eastern Asia |
| ISO Country Code | LA / LAO |
| Internet Domain | .la |
| Calling Code | +856 |
| Currency | Lao kip (LAK) |
| National Language(s) | Lao |
| Demonym | Laotian |
| Area | 236,800 km² |
| Population | 7.7 million (2025 est.) |
Flag Specifications
| Official Flag Name | Flag of Laos |
|---|---|
| Adopted On | December 2, 1975 |
| First Used | 1945 |
| Current Version Adopted | December 2, 1975 |
| Flag Proportion | 2:3 |
| Flag Shape | Rectangle |
| Number of Colors | 3 |
| Main Colors | Red, Blue, White |
| Designer | Maha Sila Viravong |
| Design Type | Horizontal triband with a double-width blue band and white disc |
| Official Status | Official National Flag |
| Government Authority | Government of Laos |
Flag Color Information
| Color | Appearance | HEX Code | RGB | CMYK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red | #CE1126 | 206, 17, 38 | 0, 92, 82, 19 | |
| Blue | #002868 | 0, 40, 104 | 100, 62, 0, 59 | |
| White | #FFFFFF | 255, 255, 255 | 0, 0, 0, 0 |
Flag Design and Symbols
| Red colour | Represents the blood shed in the struggle for freedom |
|---|---|
| Blue colour | Represents the Mekong River and prosperity |
| White colour | Represents the full moon over the Mekong, and the unity of the people |
| White disc | The full moon against the Mekong, and the promise of a bright future — Laos is the only communist-ruled state whose flag carries no red star |
Flag History
| Year / Period | Event |
|---|---|
| 1945 | The design was first used |
| 1975-12-02 | The current flag was officially adopted |
| Present | The flag remains in official use |
| Present | The flag remains in official use |
Flag Dimensions and Construction
| Official Ratio | 2:3 |
|---|---|
| Width | 2 units (hoist) |
| Length | 3 units (fly) |
Laos Flag Usage
| Government Buildings | Yes |
|---|---|
| Schools | Yes |
| Civil Use | Yes |
| Official Ceremonies | Yes |
| Sports Events | Yes |
| National Holidays | Yes |
| Military | Yes |
| Naval Use | Yes |
| Embassies | Yes |
| International Events | Yes |
Other Official Flags of Laos
| Flag Type | Use | Link |
|---|---|---|
| National Flag | National representation | View flag |
| Civil Flag | Used by civilians | View flag |
| State Flag | Used by government | View flag |
| War Flag | Used during military operations | View flag |
| Naval Ensign | Used by the navy | View flag |
| Air Force Flag | Used by the air force | View flag |
| Presidential Standard | Used by the head of state | View flag |
| Royal Standard | Used by the monarch | View flag |
| Historical Flag | Previous national flag | View flag |
Quick Facts About the Flag
| Flag Age | 51 years old as of 2026 |
|---|---|
| Adoption Date | December 2, 1975 |
| Oldest Version | 1945 |
| Designer | Maha Sila Viravong |
| Most Common Color | Red |
| Similar Flags | Argentina, Cambodia, Colorado |
| Unique Feature | Horizontal triband with a double-width blue band and white disc |
Other horizontal tricolour with a central emblem flags
See all
Facts about the Flag of Laos
- The white disc represents the moon over the Mekong, and the blue band it sits on is twice the height of each red band.
- The flag was originally the banner of the Lao independence movement and replaced a royal flag with a three-headed elephant in 1975.
- The flag of Laos was officially adopted on December 2, 1975. It was designed by Maha Sila Viravong.
- The design is older than its adoption. It was already in use in 1945, 30 years before it was formally made the flag of Laos.
- The flag in its present form is 51 years old as of 2026.
- Design type: Horizontal triband with a double-width blue band and white disc.
- The official proportions are 2:3. It shares that ratio with 82 national flags.
- The flag uses 3 colours: red, blue and white.
- The red on the flag stands for the blood shed in the struggle for freedom.
- The blue on the flag stands for the Mekong River and prosperity.
- The white on the flag stands for the full moon over the Mekong, and the unity of the people.
- White disc: The full moon against the Mekong, and the promise of a bright future — Laos is the only communist-ruled state whose flag carries no red star.
- The design belongs to the "Horizontal tricolour with a central emblem" family, shared with 19 other flags in this reference.
- Flags most often confused with it: Argentina, Cambodia and Colorado.
- Laos became independent on 22 October 1953 from France.
- Football and sepak takraw are the most popular sports.
- The national anthem is "Pheng Xat Lao".
- The flag is flown everywhere on 2 December, National Day.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Flag of Laos
When was the flag of Laos adopted?
The flag of Laos was officially adopted on December 2, 1975, though the design had already been in use since 1945.
What do the colours of the flag of Laos mean?
Red for the blood shed in the struggle for freedom, blue for the Mekong River and prosperity and white for the full moon over the Mekong, and the unity of the people.
When did Laos gain independence?
Laos became independent on 22 October 1953 from France.
What is the national sport of Laos?
Football and sepak takraw are the most popular sports.
What do the symbols on the flag of Laos represent?
White disc — The full moon against the Mekong, and the promise of a bright future — Laos is the only communist-ruled state whose flag carries no red star.
Who designed the flag of Laos?
The flag was designed by Maha Sila Viravong.
What are the proportions of the flag of Laos?
The official ratio is 2:3, which makes the flag rectangular. It shares those proportions with 82 national flags.
What is the national anthem of Laos?
The national anthem is "Pheng Xat Lao".
When is the national day of Laos?
It falls on 2 December, National Day, and the flag is flown across the country.
What is the capital of Laos?
The capital is Vientiane. The currency is the Lao kip (LAK) and the language spoken is Lao.