Belize Flag
Flag of Belize
Once part of
the Maya civilization, and colonized during the 17th century by English
woodcutters from Jamaica, Belize was known as British Honduras until
1973. The country became self-governing in 1964, achieving full
independence in 1981 (although British forces continued to maintain a
defensive involvement until 1994).
During the period of its self-government, Belize adopted an unofficial
flag of blue (the color of the People's United Party, P.U.P.), with the
national coat of arms, which recall the country's predominant industry,
logging - but without the British 'Union Jack' on the canton of the
shield - on a central white disk. The shield's top panels depict the
tools of the logging industry, while below is a sailing ship, symbolizing
trade. The supporting figures are Mestizo and Creole workers,
representing the varied origins of Belize's people, behind whom stands
the national tree and major economic resource, the mahogany. Underneath
is the national motto Sub Umbra Floreo ('I Flourish in the Shade') and
surrounding all is a wreath of 50 leaves, recalling the year 1950, when
the P.U.P. came to prominence. Although this Belize flag was retained on
Belize's attainment of independence in 1981, in recognition of the
P.U.P.'s rival party, the United Democratic Party, two red bands were
added to the design.
