Peru

About the flag

Peru’s flag is the simple vertical tricolor of red–white–red (the state version adds a coat of arms). The red symbolizes the blood shed for independence and valor; the white stands for peace and purity. Tradition says liberator José de San Martín chose the colors after seeing flamingos (or the vicuña), linking nature to national identity. To distinguish it from the options: Cuba has stripes with a red triangle and star, the Bahamas has aquamarine–black–gold with a black triangle, and Paraguay’s is red–white–blue and features different emblems on each side. Memory tip: think “PEru = Pillars and Peak”—two red “pillars” flanking a white “Andean peak,” or the three letters PER matching the three vertical bands.