Flag of Panama (Bandera de Panamá): Meaning, History & Significance

The flag of Panama, officially known in Spanish as “Bandera de Panamá,” is the national flag of the Republic of Panama and the principal state flag used on land and at sea. It consists of four equal quarters in white, red, blue, and white, with a blue five-pointed star in the upper hoist quarter and a red five-pointed star in the lower fly quarter.

This Panama national flag design was introduced shortly after separation from Colombia in 1903, and its present status was confirmed by law in the early twentieth century. Later, the Panama flag colors and stars are widely described in reference works as representing historic political parties and ideals such as peace, civic honesty, and lawful authority.

You can find this flag waving above government offices, classrooms, or vessels sailing under its name. A divided layout stands out across maps and sea registries thanks to bold sections, clean space, and strong contrast.

This article shares information about the Panamanian flag, the history of Panama flag, and picture of Panama flag. 

Public Presence of the Panamanian Flag

When you arrive via air or sea, you will encounter the Panamanian flag on external flagpoles at terminal entrances and on maritime vessels alongside registry information. Border signage and immigration counters frequently display the flag near maps and official emblems.

In many urban government districts in Panama City, they typically mount the Panama flag on masts above ministries, courthouses, and municipal buildings, sometimes paired with institutional flags at main doorways. Schools and universities hoist the Panama national flag in central courtyards or near entry gates on weekdays and during national ceremonies.

On waterways and docking points, vessels under this region registration often hoist their Panama flag colors at the rear or topmost pole, marking them through convenience-based affiliation. Rules of 1949 legislation, particularly Statute 34, state that such symbols must appear during ceremonies or state events, meaning everyday residences' constant flag exhibition on their homes.

Most homes and everyday spaces remain unchanged, using the national flag only when needed rather than daily. Because of this behavior, flags appear mainly on set dates, creating space between ceremony and normal routines.

Design and Layout of the Panama Flag

The subsequent table provides a comprehensive overview of the widely cited technical specifications regarding the design and layout of the flag of Panama, detailing its colors, proportions, and symbolic elements.

Technical descriptions in vexillological and legal documents note that the blue and red stars are centrally positioned within their white quadrants and that the four rectangles are of equal size.

Flag of Panama: Meaning and Symbolism

Standard academic and reference sources state that interpretations of Panama's flag meaning vary by author, but most accounts emphasize associations with historic political parties and general civic virtues. The white areas are widely described as symbols of peace or a peaceful field between competing groups, while the red and blue quarters reference the Liberal and Conservative parties.

According to legal documents and embassy sources, the blue star on the Panamanian flag symbolizes purity and honesty in civic life, while the red star stands for authority and law. Many interpretations also suggest that the balanced placement of colors and stars reflects the harmony and equilibrium between the nation’s political factions.

What the Panama Flag Represents:

How to Identify the Flag of Panama?

Travel infrastructure, border posts, and maritime facilities display multiple national flags, and clear recognition of the Panamanian flag depends on precise visual cues. Signage near customs halls or canal locks may show stylized flag icons alongside country names or ship registries. You may also see many picture of Panama flag while roaming different urban areas.

Ways to recognize the Panama flag:

Similar Flags Commonly Confused With the Panamanian Flag

Some flags from other countries or organizations share white fields, stars, or red and blue colors and may appear broadly similar in partial views, although their layouts differ on close inspection. They share great similarities with the Panama flag, and the below table shares all the information regarding some of these traits.

History of the Flag of Panama

Beginning in late 1903, Panama's path to a national flag was revealed alongside its break from Colombia. Only weeks after the declaration of independence, a new banner came into existence. The design was influenced by political changes but was created through individual effort.

María de la Ossa de Amador played a central role in crafting the initial version.

Her work took place amid uncertainty, yet resulted in something lasting. That first flag became a quiet milestone in the nation’s beginning.

As the country settled into its institutions, the Panama flag’s presence expanded into schools, public buildings, and national celebrations. Each appearance of the flag reinforced the idea that the emblem belonged to everyone, not only to leaders or officials.

Panama Flag Etiquette for Visitors: Common Dos and Don’ts

When people talk about how to handle Panama’s flag, they usually mention watching what locals do near monuments, ports, schools, and official sites. How high it hangs and its state of repair, along with its positioning next to foreign banners, matters under formal guidelines meant to show proper regard.

When traveling and engaging in various activities in Panama, please refer to the table for the dos and don’ts of Cuban flag etiquette.

Flag of Panama: Practical Travel Tips for Tourists

Found on maps, signs, and boats, flags help people find their way through city areas connected by waterways. Where routes follow canals, these markers guide movement without relying on words.

Transport networks sometimes place the Panamanian flag symbol beside entrances to government desks, ferry docks run by authorities, or buildings serving the public.

Staying Connected in South America with SimCorner

Arriving in South America with reliable mobile data makes it much easier to use maps, translation tools, and transit schedules and to book accommodation or activities in areas where signage often blends national symbols with institutional or commercial logos.

Staying connected also means you can continuously refer to digital images, such as any picture of a country’s flag shown in travel guides, while moving between airports, major city centers, and key tourist regions across the continent.

Get a South American eSIM or South  America SIM Card for travel that connects to major local networks, providing fast setup for unlocked devices. These plans are designed to be budget-friendly, with clear data allowances, hotspot options, and no roaming fees within supported coverage areas for eligible travelers.

With SimCorner, you can get convenient, prearranged eSIM or SIM card options that keep you connected throughout your trip.

A symbol drawn from history, Panama's flag marks where the nation began, what laws it upholds, and how citizens see their role. Its presence is evident on streets, vessels, and terminals. It becomes a quiet guide, helping people locate themselves within systems of paper trails and motion.