Flag of Peru
countryThe flag of Peru was adopted on February 25, 1825. Vertical triband, with the coat of arms on the state flag. It uses 2 colours: red and white. The official proportions are 2:3.
Basic Flag Information
| Flag Name | Flag of Peru |
|---|---|
| Country | Peru |
| Official Country Name | Republic of Peru |
| Capital | Lima |
| Continent | Americas |
| Region | South America |
| ISO Country Code | PE / PER |
| Internet Domain | .pe |
| Calling Code | +51 |
| Currency | Peruvian sol (PEN) |
| National Language(s) | Aymara, Quechua, Spanish |
| Demonym | Peruvian |
| Area | 1,285,216 km² |
| Population | 34 million (2025 est.) |
Flag Specifications
| Official Flag Name | Flag of Peru |
|---|---|
| Adopted On | February 25, 1825 |
| First Used | 1820 |
| Current Version Adopted | February 25, 1825 |
| Flag Proportion | 2:3 |
| Flag Shape | Rectangle |
| Number of Colors | 2 |
| Main Colors | Red, White |
| Design Type | Vertical triband, with the coat of arms on the state flag |
| Official Status | Official National Flag |
| Government Authority | Government of Peru |
Flag Color Information
| Color | Appearance | HEX Code | RGB | CMYK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red | #D91023 | 217, 16, 35 | 0, 93, 84, 15 | |
| White | #FFFFFF | 255, 255, 255 | 0, 0, 0, 0 |
Flag Design and Symbols
| Red colour | Represents the blood shed for independence |
|---|---|
| White colour | Represents peace, purity and justice |
| Vicuña, cinchona tree and cornucopia | The animal, plant and mineral wealth of Peru, shown on the state flag |
| Origin | By legend, San Martín saw red and white parihuana flamingos rising over the bay and chose their colours |
Flag History
| Year / Period | Event |
|---|---|
| 1820 | The design was first used |
| 1825-02-25 | 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) |
Peru 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 Peru
| 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 | 201 years old as of 2026 |
|---|---|
| Adoption Date | February 25, 1825 |
| Oldest Version | 1820 |
| Most Common Color | Red |
| Similar Flags | Clipperton Island, France, French Guiana |
| Unique Feature | Vertical triband, with the coat of arms on the state flag |
Other vertical tricolour flags
See all
Facts about the Flag of Peru
- The civil flag is a plain vertical triband. The state flag adds the coat of arms, and a third version, the war flag, adds a wreath.
- The vicuña, cinchona tree and cornucopia in the arms stand for the country's animal, plant and mineral wealth respectively.
- Tradition holds that the red and white were chosen after José de San Martín saw flamingos taking flight, though the story is not documented from the time.
- The flag of Peru was officially adopted on February 25, 1825.
- The design is older than its adoption. It was already in use in 1820, 5 years before it was formally made the flag of Peru.
- The flag in its present form is 201 years old as of 2026.
- Design type: Vertical triband, with the coat of arms on the state flag.
- The official proportions are 2:3. It shares that ratio with 82 national flags.
- The flag uses 2 colours: red and white.
- The red on the flag stands for the blood shed for independence.
- The white on the flag stands for peace, purity and justice.
- Vicuña, cinchona tree and cornucopia: The animal, plant and mineral wealth of Peru, shown on the state flag.
- Origin: By legend, San Martín saw red and white parihuana flamingos rising over the bay and chose their colours.
- The design belongs to the "Vertical tricolour" family, shared with 27 other flags in this reference.
- Flags most often confused with it: Clipperton Island, France and French Guiana.
- Peru became independent on 28 July 1821 from Spain.
- Independence was declared in 1821 and secured at Ayacucho in 1824.
- Paleta frontón is often described as the national sport; football is the most popular.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Flag of Peru
When was the flag of Peru adopted?
The flag of Peru was officially adopted on February 25, 1825, though the design had already been in use since 1820.
What do the colours of the flag of Peru mean?
Red for the blood shed for independence and white for peace, purity and justice.
When did Peru gain independence?
Peru became independent on 28 July 1821 from Spain. Independence was declared in 1821 and secured at Ayacucho in 1824.
What is the national sport of Peru?
Paleta frontón is often described as the national sport; football is the most popular.
What do the symbols on the flag of Peru represent?
Vicuña, cinchona tree and cornucopia — The animal, plant and mineral wealth of Peru, shown on the state flag. Origin — By legend, San Martín saw red and white parihuana flamingos rising over the bay and chose their colours.
What are the proportions of the flag of Peru?
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 Peru?
The national anthem is "Himno Nacional del Perú".
When is the national day of Peru?
It falls on 28 July, Fiestas Patrias, and the flag is flown across the country.
What is the national animal of Peru?
The national animal is the vicuña, which appears on the coat of arms.
What is the capital of Peru?
The capital is Lima. The currency is the Peruvian sol (PEN) and the language spoken is Aymara, Quechua, Spanish.