Venezuela State

The flag of Venezuela is a horizontal tricolour with the colours (from the top of the flag to the bottom of the flag) yellow, blue and red. At the centre of the flag, in its blue section, are eight white five pointed stars, arranged in an arch formation. The coat of arms of Venezuela is an optional inclusion and when included sits in the flag's canton. The flag's ratio is 2:3.

The flag of Venezuela dates back to an 1806 expedition taken by Francisco de Miranda to liberate Venezuela. The flag, designed by de Miranda himself, was later adopted by the National Congress in 1811. Venezuela gained its independence from Gran Colombia in 1830 and it was at this point that the 8 stars were added to the flag, representing the 8 provinces that had supported the indepdendence movement. The flag's optional coat of arms dates back to the 19th century; however, it has been altered frequently, most recently on 12 March 2006.