Flags are visual symbols that represent countries, states, organizations, beliefs, and more. Many flags feature iconic color combinations that make them easily recognizable. One lesser known flag design consists of two halves in contrasting colors – specifically green and blue.
The Flag of Brazil
The flag that is half green and half blue is the flag of Brazil. Brazil’s national flag features a green triangle on the left and a yellow rhombus on the right. Inside the yellow rhombus is a blue circle with 27 white five-pointed stars, representing the Brazilian states and the Federal District.
The green half of the flag represents Brazil’s lush forests and plant life. The yellow rhombus symbolizes the country’s mineral wealth. The blue circle with stars represents the sky over Rio de Janeiro on the morning of November 15, 1889, the date Brazil declared itself a republic.
Brazil officially adopted this flag design on November 19, 1889, just a few days after becoming a republic. The green, yellow, and blue colors on the flag were inspired by the flag used by the Empire of Brazil from 1822 until 1889. However, the previous imperial flag had a yellow rhombus on the green half and a green rhombus on the blue half.
History of the Flag of Brazil
Brazil did not have an official national flag until 1822 when the country declared independence from Portugal. The original flag of Brazil from 1822-1889 under the Empire of Brazil consisted of a gold rhombus on a green field and a green rhombus on a blue field. These colors were a nod to the ruling Braganza dynasty.
After Brazil became a republic in 1889, the flag was redesigned with the green and yellow triangles swapped. This updated design better represented Brazil’s national identity and natural richness.
Very minor changes were made to the flag in the 1960s under the military dictatorship. The blue circle with stars was made slightly larger and the number of stars was updated to reflect new states. The current flag has been in continuous use since 1968.
Other Green and Blue Flags
Brazil is not the only place to use a bicolor flag split between green and blue. Here are some other national and subnational flags that feature green and blue halves:
- Flag of Somalia – Light blue upper half, white star, and light green lower half
- Flag of Malaysia’s East Coast States – Red upper half, white crescent moon and star, green lower half
- Flag of Mauritania – Green upper half, yellow crescent and star, red lower half
- Flag of the Balearic Islands (Spain) – Blue upper half, white four stripes, green lower half
- Flag of South Sudan – Black upper half, red triangle, green lower half
- Flag of the Brazilian state of Piauí – White upper half, green lower half
Unlike Brazil’s, most of these flags do not split cleanly between one green and one blue half. Nonetheless, they demonstrate that green and blue are commonly paired on flags and represent Earth’s green lands and blue waters.
The Symbolism of Green and Blue
Why are green and blue such ubiquitous flag colors? Green and blue are considered some of the most psychologically powerful colors.
The color green is often associated with:
- Nature
- Fertility
- Growth
- Environmentalism
- Health
Meanwhile, the color blue symbolizes:
- Calmness
- Peace
- Stability
- Wisdom
- Loyalty
When combined on a flag, green and blue represent a country rich in natural resources with a stable, enduring society. The green can also represent agricultural fertility, while the blue evokes flowing waters.
Psychology of Green and Blue
Green and blue are considered psychologically complementary colors. Green is associated with balance and harmony. Blue evokes openness and depth. Together they create a tranquil ambiance.
Here are some psychological and design impacts of the colors green and blue:
| Color | Psychological Effects |
|---|---|
| Green |
|
| Blue |
|
Green and blue complement each other nicely whether in nature or on a flag. Green evokes lush landscapes while blue calls to mind clear skies and waters. Together they create a tranquil, harmonious feeling.
Countries with Green and Blue Flags
Brazil may have the most instantly recognizable half green, half blue flag, but many countries incorporate both colors into their flags and national symbols:
Countries with Green on Their Flags
- Mexico
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Bangladesh
- Kenya
Green symbolizes nature, agriculture, and Islam on many flags. For example, Saudi Arabia’s green flag represents its holy cities Mecca and Medina.
Countries with Blue on Their Flags
- United States
- Israel
- Somalia
- Nepal
- Chile
- Samoa
- Fiji
Blue represents liberation and heritage on various flags. For instance, Somalia’s light blue upper half stands for the sky and the United Nations’ trust of Somalia.
Use of Green and Blue in Other Flags
Beyond national flags, green and blue commonly feature in other types of flags and symbolic banners:
Environmental Groups
Green is universally associated with environmentalism. Groups like Greenpeace and EarthJustice use green in their logos and flags.
Sports Teams
Many sports teams choose green and blue for their colors and mascots. Some examples include:
- Seattle Seahawks (NFL)
- Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL)
- New York Jets (NFL)
- Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA)
- Everton F.C. (English Premier League)
Green and blue evoke coolness, calmness, nature, and resilience desired in sports.
Businesses
Major companies frequently work green and blue into their logos and branding like:
- Animal Planet
- BP
- Spotify
- Progressive
- Whole Foods
Green conveys environmentalism, nature, and health. While blue evokes stability, trust, and loyalty.
Conclusion
In summary, the flag that is half green and half blue belongs to the beautiful country of Brazil. However, Brazil is not alone in featuring green and blue on its national symbol. The colors complement each other aesthetically and psychologically. Together, green and blue represent the lush natural world, growth, stability, and tranquility. These positive attributes make green and blue common and powerful choices for flags and other emblems across countries, organizations, sports teams, and businesses.