flag: Guatemala

A banner that carries a nation's history, geography, and love of freedom. This is the flag of Guatemala, featuring two sky-blue stripes that represent the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans on either side of the country. The white stripe in the middle stands for peace and purity. At its heart is the intricate Guatemalan coat of arms, which is full of powerful symbolism.

The coat of arms features a Resplendent Quetzal, the national bird that cannot live in captivity and thus symbolizes liberty. It sits atop a scroll marking the date of Central America's independence from Spain. The crossed rifles show the country's readiness to defend its freedom, while the laurel wreath signifies victory. Use this flag when discussing the rich Mayan history at sites like Tikal, the stunning beauty of Lake Atitlán, or the vibrant culture of this Central American nation.