Country flag

Dominican Republic Flag

The Dominican Republic’s national flag is a blue-and-red quartered flag divided by a white cross that reaches every edge. The national coat of arms appe...

Where is Dominican Republic?

The highlighted area marks the country on the world map.

Zoomed location

This country is small on the world map, so this inset shows nearby countries for context.

About Dominican Republic and its flag

The Dominican Republic’s national flag is a blue-and-red quartered flag divided by a white cross that reaches every edge. The national coat of arms appears at the cross’s centre. Official guidance gives the flag a 2:3 proportion and specifies the front arrangement, with blue in the upper quarter at the hoist.

Flag design and meaning

A white cross divides the rectangular 2:3 flag into four alternating blue and red quarters, with the arms of the cross extending to the edges. The national coat of arms sits where the cross meets. On the front, the upper quarter next to the hoist is blue.

Vermilion red: The Presidency attributes the red to the blood shed by patriots in the battles for national independence.
Ultramarine blue: The Presidency says blue represents the sky over the homeland, God’s protection of the nation, and Dominican ideals of progress.
White cross: The Presidency attributes white to peace and unity among Dominicans.

History and adoption

The Presidency links the design to Juan Pablo Duarte and says the Trinitarios approved its making on 16 July 1838. It records that the first flag flew on 27 February 1844; later that year, the Constituent Congress recognised the national flag in the First Constitution and arranged the colours in alternating quarters.

How to recognise this flag

Identify the full white cross first: unlike a simple saltire, its horizontal and vertical arms divide the flag into four coloured quarters.
Check the upper hoist quarter on the front; it is blue, and the national coat of arms is centred on the cross.