A brief overview of the meaning, history, and key facts about the national flag of Laos.
Flag of Laos
Adopted in 1975, the national flag of Laos features a wide blue horizontal band between two narrower red stripes, with a white circle in the center. The red represents the blood shed in the struggle for independence, the blue symbolizes prosperity and the nation’s sovereignty, and the white circle represents the full moon.
Printable Laos Flag (PNG Download)
Interesting facts about the Laos flag
1. The modern Laos flag was designed in 1945 by Maha Sila Viravong, a Lao intellectual and historian associated with the Lao Issara independence movement.
2. The white circle on the Laos flag is often described as a full moon, which Lao sources associate with national unity and harmony. The circular shape is interpreted as a symbol bringing the nation together as one.
3. Some Lao interpretations also connect the moon symbol on the flag with the capital city of Vientiane. The name Vientiane is sometimes poetically associated with the moon, reinforcing the symbolism of the white disc.
4. Before 1975, Laos used a royal flag featuring a white three-headed elephant beneath a nine-tiered umbrella. The elephant represented Erawan (Airavata), the mythological three-headed elephant of the Hindu god Indra.
5. The former royal flag is still used today by some Lao opposition groups and a government-in-exile.
6. On major national holidays, such as National Day and other official celebrations, the Lao flag is widely displayed on government buildings, homes, and public streets.
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Evolution of Laos’s flag
Lao Issara flag (1945–1946)
Designed by Maha Sila Viravong, this flag was adopted by the Lao Issara independence government in 1945 and later became the national flag of Laos.
Flag of the Kingdom of Laos (1947–1975)
The royal flag of Laos featured a white three-headed elephant beneath a nine-tiered umbrella on a red background. The elephant symbol represented the mythological elephant Erawan and was associated with the historic kingdom of Lan Xang.
History of the Laos flag
French colonial period
Before the current flag was adopted, Laos used several different flags, most notably the royal three-headed elephant flag that later became the national flag of the Kingdom of Laos.
Lao Issara flag (1945–1946)
In 1945, the Lao Issara independence movement adopted a new national flag designed by the scholar Maha Sila Viravong. The flag featured red and blue stripes with a white circle in the center.
The Lao Issara government briefly used this flag after declaring independence from France in October 1945.
Kingdom of Laos flag (1947–1975)
After French control was restored in 1946, the Lao monarchy returned to power and adopted a different national flag.
This royal flag featured a white three-headed elephant beneath a nine-tiered umbrella on a red background.
Adoption of the current flag (1975)
In 1975, the communist Pathet Lao movement took control of the country and abolished the monarchy. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic was proclaimed on 2 December 1975.
The government adopted the former Lao Issara flag as the national flag, which remains in use today.
Explore more: Asian flags or test your knowledge with our Flags of Asia Quiz.
Caitriona Maria is an education writer and owner of The Facts Institute. With seven years of teaching experience and a background in educational content, she specialises in creating clear reference resources about countries, geography and global topics.