The flag and the arms of Nicaragua in use today are the most similar to those used by the United Provinces of Central America. The triangle, volcanoes, rising sun, Cap of Liberty, and rainbow all appeared on the original emblem. The coat of arms used today contains the name of the state, Republica de Nicaragua, whereas in 1823 the title was Provincias Unidas del Centro de America. The decision to revert to the emblems used by the United Provinces of Central America was taken in 1908 and reflected Nicaragua's aspirations for the rebirth of the political entity formed by the 5 nations. Except for the text around the arms, the flag is very similar to that of the United Provinces of Central America. The 5 volcanoes represent the original 5 member states, the Cap of Liberty represents national freedom, and the rays of the sun and the rainbow are symbolic of the bright future.
The presence of a rainbow in the coat of arms makes the flag of Nicaragua one of only three flags of a sovereign state to include the color purple, alongside the flag of Dominica and the flag of Spain.
Aug 1823 - Nov 1824
Nov 1824 - Apr 1854
United Provinces of Central America flag, 1823 - 1825
Federal Republic of Central America flag, 1825 - 1841
1852 - 1854 (attributed)
Apr 1854 - 1858
Apr 1854 - 1858 (State flag)
Apr 1854 - 1858 (Merchant Navy flag)
Flag of Nicaragua (Government of William Walker)
1858 - 1873
1889 - 1893 (attributed)
1896 - Nov 1898
Nov 1898 - Nov 1898
Flag of the Mosquito Coast, 1834 - 1860
Flag of the Mosquito Coast, 1860-1894
1908 - 1971
.svg)
.svg)
.png)
.svg)
.png)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
