The flag of Belize, adopted in 1981, consists of a royal blue field with horizontal red stripes across the top and bottom of the flag. The blue field features a large white disc with the Belize coat of arms centered on it. On the coat of arms are two men in front of a tree, one holding an ax and one holding an oar. Both men are supporting a shield with a ship on it flying a British Red Ensign. Encircling the coat of arms is a wreath of 50 olive leaves, marking the year 1950 when British Honduras (Belize’s former name) began its fight for independence from the United Kingdom. Beneath the shield is a banner with Belize’s motto “Sub umbra floreo†meaning “I flourish in the shadow.†|
