Adopted in 1842. The flag of Paraguay has three equal, horizontal bands of red (top), white, and blue with an emblem centered in the white band. Unusual flag in that the emblem is different on each side, the obverse (hoist side at the left) bears the national coat of arms (a yellow five-pointed star within a green wreath capped by the words REPUBLICA DEL PARAGUAY, all within two circles); the reverse (hoist side at the right) bears a circular seal of the treasury (a yellow lion below a red Cap of Liberty and the words PAZ Y JUSTICIA (Peace and Justice)). Red symbolizes bravery and patriotism, white represents integrity and peace, and blue denotes liberty and generosity. (ref: CIA World Factbook)