The flag of French Guiana, an overseas department and region of France located on the northeastern coast of South America, consists of a simple design that represents the identity and history of the territory.
The flag features a blue field with a centered red triangle pointing towards the hoist side. Within the red triangle, there is a yellow circle at the center, representing the sun, and below it, a stylized yellow bird called "le héron de Cayenne" or the Cayenne heron.
Play our free game to learn the flags of the world
The blue background symbolizes the sky and the Atlantic Ocean that surrounds French Guiana. Blue is often associated with tranquility, freedom, and openness, reflecting the region's natural beauty and vastness. The shade of blue used in the flag is reminiscent of the blue found in the French national flag, reaffirming French Guiana's status as a French territory.
The red triangle represents equality, fraternity, and liberty, which are the three core values of the French Republic. It also signifies the forward movement and progress of the region. Additionally, the red color is associated with courage, vitality, and the determination of the people of French Guiana.
At the heart of the red triangle is a yellow circle, symbolizing the sun. The sun is a significant element in many indigenous cultures of French Guiana and represents warmth, light, and energy. It also highlights the region's tropical climate and its position near the equator, resulting in abundant sunlight throughout the year.
Beneath the yellow sun, the Cayenne heron stands gracefully. This bird is native to the region and holds cultural significance for the people of French Guiana. The Cayenne heron symbolizes balance, resilience, and adaptability, qualities that resonate with the diverse population and rich biodiversity of the territory.
The flag of French Guiana was adopted on December 29, 2015, replacing the previous flag used since 1982. The new design was chosen through a local competition, where numerous proposals were submitted and evaluated. The winning design by Thierry Lamouroux received widespread support for its simplicity, symbolism, and representation of the region's cultural heritage.
Overall, the flag of French Guiana embodies the harmonious blend of French and Guianese cultures, as well as the unique natural environment found in the territory. It serves as a visual representation of the region's identity, history, and aspirations within the context of its association with France.
Play our free game to learn the flags of the world