Uruguay Flag

Uruguay Flag

Flag of Uruguay

Uruguay was settled by both the Spanish (in 1624) and the Portuguese (in 1680), but became part of Spain's colonial empire during the 18th century. Between 1808 (when it declared its independence from Spain) and 1830 (when complete independence was achieved), Uruguay struggled to maintain its independent status. The struggle for independence was led by the national hero Jose Artigas (who flew a blue-and-white-striped flag with a red diagonal band known as the Banda Oriental, or the 'East Bank', of Uruguay). Although Spanish rule was overthrown in 1814, Artigas was driven out of Uruguay in 1820 by Brazilian forces, who annexed the country. The region continued to be disputed by Brazil and Argentina, with both countries lending support to the opposing political factions that sought to control the region.

Until 1830, when, following international mediation, Uruguay was established as an independent nation, variations of Artigas's flag were flown. On achieving independence, however, Uruguay formally adopted a new national Uruguay flag made up of nine stripes in blue and white (the country's national colors), representing the country's nine original provinces. The 'Sun of May' emblem, which has been Uruguay's national emblem since 1815, appears on the white canton.