View source for Flag of Brazil

{{short description|Official state symbol of the Federal Republic of Brazil}}
{{Redir-dist|Order and Progress flag|Progress flag}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2024}}
{{Infobox flag
| Name       = Federative Republic of Brazil
| Image      = Flag of Brazil.svg
| Alt        = Flag of Brazil
| Nickname   = {{plainlist|
*''A Auriverde''
*''Verde e amarela''}}
| Use        = 111111
| Symbol     = {{FIAV|111111}}{{FIAV|normal}}{{IFIS|Equal}}
| Proportion = 7:10
|Adoption    = {{unbulleted list|{{Start date and age|1889|11|19|df=y}} (21-star version)|{{Start date and age|1992|5|11|df=y}} (current 27-star version)}}
| Design     = A green field with a large yellow rhombus in the center, bearing a blue disk which forms a celestial globe depicting twenty-seven small white five-pointed stars spanned by a white equatorial curved band with the National Motto {{Lang|pt|Ordem E Progresso}} ('Order and Progress') written in green.
| Designer   = [[Raimundo Teixeira Mendes]]
}}
{{Culture of Brazil}}
The [[national flag]] of [[Brazil]] is a blue disc depicting a starry sky (which includes the [[Crux|Southern Cross]]) spanned by a curved band inscribed with the [[List of national mottos|national motto]] {{lang|pt|Ordem e Progresso}} ('Order and Progress'), within a yellow rhombus, on a green field. It was officially adopted on 19 November 1889, four days after the [[Proclamation of the Republic (Brazil)|Proclamation of the Republic]], to replace the flag of the [[Empire of Brazil]]. The concept was the work of [[Raimundo Teixeira Mendes]], with the collaboration of {{Interlanguage link|Miguel Lemos|pt}}, {{Interlanguage link|Manuel Pereira Reis|pt}} and [[Décio Villares]].

The green field and yellow rhombus from the previous imperial flag were preserved (though slightly modified in hue and shape). In the imperial flag, the green represented the [[House of Braganza]] of [[Pedro I of Brazil|Pedro I]], the first [[List of monarchs of Brazil|Emperor of Brazil]], while the yellow represented the [[House of Habsburg]] of his wife, [[Maria Leopoldina of Austria|Empress Maria Leopoldina]].<ref name="CIA">{{Cite web |title=Brazil — Photo Details |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/brazil/flag |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112131501/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/brazil/flag |archive-date=2021-01-12 |access-date=2010-10-08 |website=[[The World Factbook]] |publisher=[[CIA]]}}</ref> A blue circle with white [[five-pointed star]]s replaced the [[Coat of arms of Brazil|arms of the Empire of Brazil]] {{ndash}}its position in the flag reflects the sky over the city of [[Rio de Janeiro]] on 15 November 1889. The motto {{lang|pt|Ordem e Progresso}} is derived from [[Auguste Comte]]'s motto of [[positivism]]: "''L'amour pour principe et l'ordre pour base; le progrès pour but''" ("Love as a principle and order as the basis; progress as the goal").<ref name="historianet">{{Cite web |last=Catarin |first=Cristiano |year=2007 |title=Bandeira e significados |trans-title=Flag and meanings |url=http://www.historianet.com.br/conteudo/default.aspx?codigo=934 |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071207170834/http://www.historianet.com.br/conteudo/default.aspx?codigo=934 |archive-date=2007-12-07 |access-date=2010-10-09 |website=HISTORIANET |language=pt-BR}}</ref>

Each star, corresponding to a [[States of Brazil|Brazilian Federal Unit]], is sized in proportion relative to its geographic size, and, according to Brazilian Law, the flag must be updated in case of the creation or extinction of a state. At the time the flag was first adopted in 1889, it had 21 stars. It then received one more star in 1960 (representing the state of [[Guanabara (state)|Guanabara]]), then another in 1968 (representing [[Acre (state)|Acre]]), and finally four more stars in 1992 (representing [[Amapá]], [[Roraima]], [[Rondônia]] and  [[Tocantins]]), totaling 27 stars in its current version.

==History==

===Colonial Brazil (1500–1815)===
[[File:Flag Princes of Brazil.svg|thumb|The flag of the [[Princes of Brazil]] was a standard for the Portuguese heir, though often used in Brazil due to the namesake of the princes]]
The Portuguese territories in the [[Americas]], corresponding roughly to what is now Brazil, never had their own official flag, since Portuguese tradition encouraged hoisting the flag of the [[Kingdom of Portugal]] in all territories of the [[Portuguese Empire|Portuguese Crown]].

The first Brazilian [[Flag terminology#Vexillological symbols|vexillological symbols]] were private [[maritime flag]]s used by Portuguese merchant ships that sailed to Brazil. A flag with green and white stripes was used until 1692.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BANDEIRAS NAVAIS PORTUGUESAS |trans-title=PORTUGUESE NAVAL FLAGS |url=http://www.ancruzeiros.pt/ancbnavais.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101127052719/http://www.ancruzeiros.pt/ancbnavais.html |archive-date=2010-11-27 |access-date=2010-10-09 |website=Cruzeiros National Association |language=pt-PT}}</ref> The green and white colors represented the House of Braganza and the national colours of Portugal. In 1692, that flag was no longer used by ships that sailed to Brazil and became the flag of the [[merchant vessel]]s in coastal Portugal. In 1692, a new flag was introduced for merchant vessels sailing to Brazil. The new flag had a white field with a golden [[armillary sphere]]. The armillary sphere had served as the personal emblem of [[List of Portuguese monarchs|King]] [[Manuel I of Portugal]] (reigned 1494–1521). During his reign Portuguese ships used it widely, and eventually it became a [[Coat of arms of Portugal|national emblem]] of Portugal and, more specifically, of the Portuguese empire. A similar flag was introduced for the Portuguese ships that sailed to India, but with a red armillary sphere. Despite representing the entire Portuguese empire, the armillary sphere began to be used more extensively in Brazil – the largest and most developed colony at the time – not only in maritime flags, but also on coins and other media. It eventually became the unofficial [[Ensign (flag)|ensign]] of Brazil.

===United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and the Algarves (1815–1822)===
<gallery widths="180px" heights="160px">
File:Flag of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and the Algarves (1815-1825).svg|Flag of the [[United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves]] (1816–1822)
</gallery>

In 1815, Brazil was elevated to the rank of kingdom, and the kingdoms of [[Kingdom of Portugal|Portugal]], [[Kingdom of Portugal|Brazil]] and the [[Algarve#History|Algarves]] were united as a single state – the [[United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves]]. The Charter Act of 1816 established the insignia of the new kingdom.<ref name="JCBL">{{Cite web |title=1816 Law 09 |url=https://www.brown.edu/Facilities/John_Carter_Brown_Library/CB/1816_docs/L09_p01.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100810094347/http://www.brown.edu/Facilities/John_Carter_Brown_Library/CB/1816_docs/L09_p01.html |archive-date=2010-08-10 |access-date=2010-10-09 |website=[[Brown University]] |publisher=[[John Carter Brown Library]]}}</ref> It specified that the [[Coat of arms|arms]] of the Kingdom of Brazil was to be composed of a gold armillary sphere on a blue field.<ref name="JCBL" /> During this time, the flag of Brazil was the flag of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and the Algarves.

===Empire of Brazil (1822–1889)===
<gallery widths="180px" heights="160px">
File:Flag of the Kingdom of Brazil (1822).svg|Flag of the independent [[Kingdom of Brazil]] (18 September – 1 December 1822) 
File:Bandeira_do_Império_do_Brasil_com_nó_e_cores_corretos_versão_com_19_estrelas.png|First flag of the [[Empire of Brazil]] with 19 stars (1822–1853). On 29 August 1853, Imperial Law No. 704 created the Province of Paraná, resulting in the addition of a 20th star.
File:Bandeira_do_Império_do_Brasil_com_nó_e_cores_corretos.png|Second flag of the [[Empire of Brazil]] with 20 stars (1853–1889)
File:A Fundação da Pátria Brasileira (Eduardo Sá, 1899).jpg|''The Founding of the Brazilian Fatherland'', a 1899 allegorical painting depicting statesman [[José Bonifácio de Andrada e Silva]], one of the founding fathers of the country, with the imperial flag and Brazil's three major ethnic groups
</gallery>

The flag of Brazil was designed by [[Jean-Baptiste Debret]] as the [[Royal Standard]] of the [[Prince Royal of Portugal|Prince Royal]] of the [[United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves]], Pedro I.

After the [[Brazilian Declaration of Independence]], and with the coronation of Pedro I as Emperor of Brazil, the Royal Standard was modified to become the flag of the Empire of Brazil. The new flag featured the [[Coat of arms of Brazil#Arms of the Empire of Brazil|imperial coat of arms]] within a yellow rhombus, on a green field.<ref>[[s:pt:Decreto de D. Pedro I de 18 de setembro de 1822|"Decreto de D. Pedro I de 18 de setembro de 1822"]]. [[Wikisource]]. Retrieved on 9 October 2010. {{in lang|pt}}.</ref> The green and yellow colors represented the dynastic houses of Pedro I and his consort Maria Leopoldina of Austria.<ref name="historianet" />

The imperial flag was slightly modified during the reign of [[Pedro II of Brazil|Pedro II]], when an extra star was added to the imperial arms to conform to the new territorial organization of the country.

===Republic of Brazil (1889–present)===
<gallery widths="170px" heights="160px">
File:Flag of Brazil 15-19 November.svg|Provisional flag of the [[First Brazilian Republic|Republic of the United States of Brazil]] (15–19 November 1889)
File:Flag of Brazil (1889–1960).svg|{{center|Flag from 1889–1960<br>{{age in years, months, weeks and days|year1=1889|year2=1960}} of use<br>(21 stars)}}
File:Flag of Brazil (1960–1968).svg|{{center|Flag from 1960–1968<br>{{age in years, months, weeks and days|year1=1960|year2=1968}} of use<br>(22 stars)}}
File:Flag of Brazil (1968–1992).svg|{{center|Flag from 1968–1992<br>{{age in years, months, weeks and days|year1=1968|year2=1992}} of use<br>(23 stars)}}
</gallery>

Upon the proclamation of the Republic, one of the civilian leaders of the movement, the jurist [[Ruy Barbosa]], proposed a design for the nation's new flag strongly inspired by the [[flag of the United States]]. It was flown from 15 to 19 November 1889, when marshal [[Deodoro da Fonseca]] (acting as provisional [[president of Brazil]]) vetoed the design, citing concerns that it looked too similar to the flag of another country.<ref name="Seysell">{{Cite journal |last=Seyssel |first=Ricardo |year=2006 |title=Um Estudo Histórico Perceptual: A Bandeira Brasileira Sem Brasil |trans-title=A Perceptual Historical Study: The Brazilian Flag Without Brazil |url=http://www.ia.unesp.br/pos/arquivos-pos/bandeira.pdf |url-status=dead |department=Institute of Arts |journal=[[São Paulo State University]] |language=pt-BR |location=[[São Paulo]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726140124/http://www.ia.unesp.br/pos/arquivos-pos/bandeira.pdf |archive-date=2011-07-26 |access-date=2010-10-10}}</ref>

[[File:Pedro Bruno - A Pátria.jpg|thumb|''A Pátria'' (The Fatherland) by [[Pedro Paulo Bruno]], a 1919 painting depicting the Brazilian flag being embroidered by a family]]
Fonseca suggested that the flag of the new republic should resemble the old imperial flag.<ref name="Seysell" /> This was intended to underscore continuity of national unity during the transition from a [[constitutional monarchy]] to a republic.<ref name="Seysell" /> Raimundo Teixeira Mendes presented a project in which the imperial coat of arms was replaced by a blue [[celestial globe]] and the positivist motto. It was presented to Fonseca, who promptly accepted. The flag was designed by a group formed by Raimundo Teixeira Mendes, Miguel Lemos, Manuel Pereira Reis and Décio Villares.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brazil — Designers of the Flag |url=http://flagspot.net/flags/br.html#design |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190122210119/https://www.fotw.info/flags/br.html#design |archive-date=2019-01-22 |access-date=2010-10-08 |website=[[Flags of the World (website)|FotW]]}}</ref> It was officially adopted on 19 November 1889.<ref>{{Cite web |title=LEI N. 5.700 - DE 1° DE SETEMBRO DE 1971 |trans-title=LAW N. 5,700 - OF SEPTEMBER 1, 1971 |url=http://www.exercito.gov.br/01inst/Historia/simbnac/simbnasc.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100819171943/http://www.exercito.gov.br/01inst/Historia/simbnac/simbnasc.htm |archive-date=2010-08-19 |access-date=2010-10-08 |website=[[Brazilian Army]] |language=pt-BR}}</ref>

The flag has been modified on three occasions to add additional stars intended to reflect newly created states: 1960 (22 stars), 1968 (23 stars) and 1992 (27 stars). In contrast to many other national flags with elements representing political subdivisions, modifications to the flag of Brazil were not always made promptly upon political reorganisation, resulting in multi-year periods of history where there was a mismatch between the number of stars and the number of states and federal districts.<ref name="fotw ev">{{Cite web |title=Brazil: Evolution of the Modern National Flag |url=https://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/br_dev.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528202547/https://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/br_dev.html |archive-date=2023-05-28 |access-date=2015-07-11 |website=crwflags.com |publisher=[[Flags of the World (website)|FotW]]}}</ref> The most recent modification was made on 11 May 1992, with the addition of four stars to the celestial globe (representing states created between 1982 and 1991), and a slight change in the stars' positions was made to match the [[astronomical coordinate]]s correctly.

==Design==
Decree No. 4, issued on 19 November 1889, legally replaced the flag used under the constitutional monarchy with the new national flag.<ref name="Brasil.gov.br">{{Cite web |date=2010-01-18 |title=Símbolos e Hinos |trans-title=Symbols and Anthems |url=http://www.brasil.gov.br/sobre/o-brasil/estado-brasileiro/simbolos-e-hinos |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110519235026/http://www.brasil.gov.br/sobre/o-brasil/estado-brasileiro/simbolos-e-hinos |archive-date=2011-05-19 |access-date=2010-10-09 |website=[[Federal government of Brazil]] |language=pt-BR}}</ref> The last change was held on 11 May 1992, Law No. 8.421, altered the celestial globe with the addition of six stars.<ref name="Brasil.gov.br" />

===Construction===
[[File:Flag of Brazil (dimensions).svg|thumb|upright=1.5|Construction sheet with the official dimensions of the flag]]
The precise positions of the 27 stars on the globe make the Brazilian flag one of the most complicated national flags to construct. The official design is defined by Law No. 5,700, issued on 1 September 1971.<ref name="FOTW">{{Cite web |title=Law on the National Flag: details of construction |url=https://www.fotw.info/flags/br.html#law2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118184453/https://www.fotw.info/flags/br.html#law2 |archive-date=2024-01-18 |access-date=2010-10-08 |website=[[Flags of the World (website)|FotW]]}}</ref> The flag's [[Flag terminology#Description of standard flag parts and terms|length]] is twenty modules and the [[Flag terminology#Description of standard flag parts and terms|width]], fourteen, translating into an [[List of national flags by aspect ratio|aspect ratio]] of 10:7. The distance of the [[vertex (geometry)|vertices]] of the yellow rhombus to the outer frame is a module and seven-tenths (1.7&nbsp;m). The blue circle in the middle of the yellow rhombus has a [[radius]] of three and a half modules (3.5&nbsp;m). The center of the arcs of the white band is two modules (2&nbsp;m) to the left of the meeting point of the extended vertical diameter of the circle with the base of the outer frame. The radius of the lower arc of the white band is eight modules (8m) and the radius of the upper arc of the white band is eight and a half modules (8.5&nbsp;m). The width of the white band is a half of a module (0.5&nbsp;m).

The caption "Ordem e Progresso" is written in green letters. The letter '''P''' lies on the vertical diameter of the circle. The letters of the word "Ordem" and the word "Progresso" are a third of a module (0.33&nbsp;m) tall. The width of these letters is three-tenths of a module (0.30&nbsp;m). The [[Conjunction (grammar)|conjunction]] '''E''' has a height of three-tenths of a module (0.30&nbsp;m) and a width of a quarter of a module (0.25&nbsp;m).

The stars are of five different sizes: first, second, third, fourth and fifth magnitudes. They are drawn within circles whose diameters are: three-tenths of a module (0.30&nbsp;m) for the first magnitude, a quarter of a module (0.25&nbsp;m) for the second magnitude; a fifth of a module (0.20&nbsp;m) for the third magnitude, a seventh of a module (0.14&nbsp;m) for the fourth magnitude, and a tenth of a module (0.10&nbsp;m) for the fifth magnitude.<ref name="stars" />

====Stars====
[[File:Brazil flag stars.svg|thumb|upright=1.5|
A list of constellations and stars on the map: {{olist
    |[[Procyon]] (α [[Canis Minor]]is)
    |[[Canis Major]]: five stars, the largest depicting [[Sirius]]
    |[[Canopus]] (α [[Carina (constellation)|Carinae]])
    |[[Spica]] (α [[Virgo (constellation)|Virginis]])
    |[[Hydra (constellation)|Hydra]]: two stars, the larger being [[Alphard]]
    |[[Crux Australis]]: five stars, the largest depicting [[Alpha Crucis]]
    |[[Sigma Octantis]] (σ Octantis, south pole star)
    |[[Triangulum Australe]]: three stars of similar size
    |[[Scorpius]]: eight stars, the largest depicting [[Antares]]
}}]]

Paulo Araújo Duarte of the [[Federal University of Santa Catarina]] claims that "the creators of our republican flag intended to represent the stars in the sky at Rio de Janeiro at 8:30 in the morning on 15 November 1889, the moment at which the constellation of the Southern Cross was on the meridian of Rio de Janeiro and the longer arm [of the cross] was vertical".<ref name=stars/> Another article, citing "O Céu da Bandeira (The Sky of the Flag)", by J. R. V. Costa, says the exact time was actually 08:37.{{Citation needed|date=June 2018}} This last article includes the flag's designer's explanation of his intentions regarding the stars.{{Citation needed|date=June 2018}}
According to Brazil's [http://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/Leis/L5700.htm national act number 5,700] of 1 September 1971, the flag portrays the stars as they would be seen by an imaginary observer an infinite distance above Rio de Janeiro standing outside the firmament in which the stars are meant to be placed (i.e. as found on a [[celestial globe]]). Thus Beta Crucis appears to the right of the constellation and Delta Crucis to the left, in mirror image of the way they actually appear in the sky (and, coincidentally, the way they appear on the Brazilian coat of arms).

The star [[Spica]] is the only one above the white band; it symbolises part of Brazilian territory in the northern hemisphere (and the State of [[Pará]]).

The Sigma Octantis (south pole star) is small, but all the other stars turn around it. Its unique position in the sky of the southern hemisphere represents the stability of the Federal District in the Brazilian union.

The shining star in constellation represent the size of territory of the state in the Brazilian region (constellation).

The flag of Brazil contains 27 stars, representing the [[Brazilian states]] and the [[Federal District (Brazil)|Federal District]].<ref name="stars">{{cite web |last=Duarte |first=Paulo Araújo |title=Astronomia na Bandeira Brasileira |trans-title=Astronomy on the Brazilian Flag |url=http://www.cfh.ufsc.br/~planetar/textos/astroban.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080502120005/http://www.cfh.ufsc.br/~planetar/textos/astroban.htm |archive-date=2008-05-02 |access-date=2009-07-09 |website=[[Federal University of Santa Catarina]] |language=pt-BR}}</ref> The [[constellation]] of the [[crux|Southern Cross]] is on the [[meridian (astronomy)|meridian]] (indicated by the number 6 in the diagram). To the south of it is Polaris Australis ([[Sigma Octantis]], numbered 7), representing the [[Federal District (Brazil)|Federal District]]. A single star lies above the band, representing the large northern state of Pará, which straddles the [[equator]].

The band with its motto appears roughly coincident with the [[ecliptic]], as in the [[armillary]] symbol of [[Manuel I of Portugal]] and [[colonial Brazil]],<ref name="Science in Portugal 1968"/> or otherwise the [[celestial equator]],<ref name="Vlahos 2014">{{cite web | last=Vlahos | first=Perry | title=Stars significant on Brazilian flag | website=The Sydney Morning Herald | date=2014-06-26 | url=https://www.smh.com.au/technology/stars-significant-on-brazilian-flag-20140626-zsm5l.html | access-date=2022-06-12}}</ref> while none of the stars symbolized lie north of these lines. Some interpretations of the band also identify it with the [[Amazon River]].<ref name="Science in Portugal 1968">{{cite web | title=Episodes | website=Science in Portugal | date=1968-05-28 | url=http://cvc.instituto-camoes.pt/ciencia_eng/e15.html#nota%2001 | access-date=2022-06-12}}</ref>

==== Stars and states ====
The stars depicted on the flag and the states they represent are:<ref name=stars/>
{{clear}}
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!State
!Star
!Constellation
!Size<br /> {{small|1=(1=largest)}}
!State<br /> made
!Star<br /> added
|-
|[[Amazonas (Brazilian state)|Amazonas]]
|Alpha Canis Minoris ([[Procyon]])
|Canis Minor, the Little Dog
|1
|1889
|1889
|-
|[[Mato Grosso]]
|Alpha Canis Majoris ([[Sirius]])
|Canis Major, the Great Dog
|1
|1889
|1889
|-
|[[Amapá]]
|Beta Canis Majoris ([[Mirzam]])
|Canis Major, the Great Dog
|2
|1991
|1992
|-
|[[Rondônia]]
|Gamma Canis Majoris ([[Muliphen]])
|Canis Major, the Great Dog
|4
|1982
|1992
|-
|[[Roraima]]
|Delta Canis Majoris ([[Wezen]])
|Canis Major, the Great Dog
|2
|1991
|1992
|-
|[[Tocantins (state)|Tocantins]]
|Epsilon Canis Majoris ([[Epsilon Canis Majoris|Adhara]])
|Canis Major, the Great Dog
|3
|1989
|1992
|-
|[[Pará]]
|Alpha Virginis ([[Spica]])
|Virgo, the Virgin
|1
|1889
|1889
|-
|[[Piauí]]
|Alpha Scorpii ([[Antares]])
|Scorpius, the Scorpion
|1
|1889
|1889
|-
|[[Maranhão]]
|Beta Scorpii ([[Beta Scorpii|Graffias]])
|Scorpius, the Scorpion
|3
|1889
|1889
|-
|[[Ceará]]
|Epsilon Scorpii ([[Epsilon Scorpii|Larawag]])<ref name="IAU-LSN">{{cite web |title=Naming Stars |url=https://www.iau.org/public/themes/naming_stars/ |access-date=2017-12-16 |website=[[International Astronomical Union]] |archive-date=11 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411104839/https://www.iau.org/public/themes/naming_stars/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|Scorpius, the Scorpion
|2
|1889
|1889
|-
|[[Alagoas]]
|Theta Scorpii ([[Sargas]])
|Scorpius, the Scorpion
|2
|1889
|1889
|-
|[[Sergipe]]
|[[Iota Scorpii]]
|Scorpius, the Scorpion
|3
|1889
|1889
|-
|[[Paraíba]]
|[[Kappa Scorpii]]
|Scorpius, the Scorpion
|3
|1889
|1889
|-
|[[Rio Grande do Norte]]
|Lambda Scorpii ([[Shaula]])
|Scorpius, the Scorpion
|2
|1889
|1889
|-
|[[Pernambuco]]
|Mu Scorpii ([[Mu Scorpii|Xamidimura & Pipirima]])<ref name="IAU-LSN"/>
|Scorpius, the Scorpion
|3
|1889
|1889
|-
|[[Mato Grosso do Sul]]
|Alpha Hydrae ([[Alphard]])
|Hydra, the Water Serpent
|2
|1979{{ref|Alphard|[note]}}
|1960{{ref|Alphard|[note]}}
|-
|[[Acre (state)|Acre]]
|[[Gamma Hydrae]]
|Hydra, the Water Serpent
|3
|1962
|1968
|-
|[[São Paulo (state)|São Paulo]]
|Alpha Crucis ([[Alpha Crucis|Acrux]] or ''[[Estrela de Magalhães]]'')
|Crux, the Southern Cross
|1
|1889
|1889
|-
|[[Rio de Janeiro (state)|Rio de Janeiro]]
|Beta Crucis ([[Beta Crucis|Mimosa]])
|Crux, the Southern Cross
|2
|1889
|1889
|-
|[[Bahia]]
|Gamma Crucis ([[Gamma Crucis|Gacrux]])
|Crux, the Southern Cross
|2
|1889
|1889
|-
|[[Minas Gerais]]
|Delta Crucis ([[Delta Crucis|Imai]])<ref name="IAU-CSN">{{Cite web
  |url=http://www.pas.rochester.edu/~emamajek/WGSN/IAU-CSN.txt
  |title=IAU Catalog of Star Names
  |publisher=[[International Astronomical Union]]
  |access-date=2018-09-17}}</ref>
|Crux, the Southern Cross
|3
|1889
|1889
|-
|[[Espírito Santo]]
|Epsilon Crucis ([[Epsilon Crucis|Ginan]]<ref name="IAU-LSN"/>)
|Crux, the Southern Cross
|4
|1889
|1889
|-
|[[Rio Grande do Sul]]
|Alpha Trianguli Australis ([[Alpha Trianguli Australis|Atria]])
|Triangulum Australe, the Southern Triangle
|2
|1889
|1889
|-
|[[Santa Catarina (state)|Santa Catarina]]
|[[Beta Trianguli Australis]]
|Triangulum Australe, the Southern Triangle
|3
|1889
|1889
|-
|[[Paraná (state)|Paraná]]
|[[Gamma Trianguli Australis]]
|Triangulum Australe, the Southern Triangle
|3
|1889
|1889
|-
|[[Goiás]]
|Alpha Carinae ([[Canopus]])
|Carina, the Keel of Argo
|1
|1889
|1889
|-
|[[Federal District (Brazil)|Distrito Federal]]
|[[Sigma Octantis]] ([[Polaris Australis]])
|Octans, the Octant
|5
|1889{{ref|Alphard|[note]}}
|1889
|}
* <small>{{note|Alphard}} Brazil's original Federal District was created in 1889 from the former [[Neutral Municipality]] covering the then-capital city of [[Rio de Janeiro]], and represented on the flag by the star Sigma Octantis (Polaris Australis). In 1960, to correspond with the creation of the new capital, [[Brasília]], the Federal District was reconstituted on new territory carved out of the state of Goiás, bordering the Minas Gerais state; it continued to be represented on the flag by Sigma Octantis. The former Federal District became the new state of [[Guanabara (state)|Guanabara]] and a new star, Alphard, was added to the flag to represent it. Guanabara was eliminated as a separate state in 1975; however, Alphard was not removed from the flag and from 1975 to 1979 it represented no state. When the new state of Mato Grosso do Sul was created in 1979, it was assigned Alphard.<ref name="fotw ev"/></small>

====Colours====
The specific shades of colors used in the flag are not specified in any legal document. The values listed below can be found in the files available for download from the Brazilian government website:<ref>{{cite web |date=2011-07-04 |title=Bandeira Nacional |url=https://www.gov.br/planalto/pt-br/conheca-a-presidencia/acervo/simbolos-nacionais/bandeira/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524034736/https://www.gov.br/planalto/pt-br/conheca-a-presidencia/acervo/simbolos-nacionais/bandeira/ |archive-date=2024-05-24 |website=[[Brazilian Government]]}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
!
! style="background:#009440; width:200px" | <span style="color:white;">Green</span>
! style="background:#ffcb00; width:200px"| <span style="color:black;">Yellow</span>
! style="background:#302681; width:200px" | <span style="color:white;">Blue</span>
! style="background:#FFFFFF; width:200px"| <span style="color:black;">White</span>
|-
![[RGB color model|RGB]]
| <code>0/148/64</code> || <code>255/203/0</code> || <code>48/38/129</code> || <code>255/255/255</code>
|-
![[Hexadecimal]]
| <code>#009440</code> || <code>#ffcb00</code> || <code>#302681</code> || <code>#ffffff</code>
|-
![[CMYK color model|CMYK]]
| <code>84/12/96/1</code> || <code>0/21/93/0</code> || <code>100/97/10/1</code> || <code>0/0/0/0</code>
|}

=== Proposed design alterations ===
[[File:Proposta de alteração da Bandeira Nacional do Brasil pelo Movimento Amor na Bandeira (2).webp|left|thumb|Proposed design alteration for the flag, with the added word "''Amor''"]]
In 2021, the movement "Amor na Bandeira" (in English, ''Love in the Flag'')<ref>{{Cite news |last=Magalhães |first=Vítor |date=2021-11-18 |title=Movimento propõe adicionar a palavra "amor" na bandeira do Brasil |trans-title=Movement proposes adding the word "love" to the Brazilian flag |url=https://www.opovo.com.br/noticias/politica/2021/11/18/movimento-propoe-adicionar-a-palavra-amor-na-bandeira-do-brasil.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118154425/https://www.opovo.com.br/noticias/politica/2021/11/18/movimento-propoe-adicionar-a-palavra-amor-na-bandeira-do-brasil.html |archive-date=2021-11-18 |access-date=2023-07-06 |work=[[O Povo]] |language=pt-BR}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Costa |first=Cristyan |date=2021-11-19 |title=Bandeira do Brasil: campanha propõe escrever 'amor' antes de 'Ordem e Progresso' |trans-title=Flag of Brazil: campaign proposes writing ‘love’ before ‘Order and Progress’ |url=https://revistaoeste.com/politica/bandeira-do-brasil-campanha-propoe-escrever-amor-antes-de-ordem-e-progresso/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123072924/https://revistaoeste.com/politica/bandeira-do-brasil-campanha-propoe-escrever-amor-antes-de-ordem-e-progresso/ |archive-date=2021-11-23 |access-date=2023-07-06 |work=Oeste Magazine |language=pt-BR}}</ref> proposed to update the flag's motto from "Ordem e Progresso" to "Amor, Ordem e Progresso" (''Love, Order and Progress''), in allusion to the motto of positivism "''L'amour pour principe et l'ordre pour base; le progrès pour but''" (''Love as a principle and order as the basis; progress as the goal''), formulated by the French philosopher Augusto Comte, which inspired the original motto in the flag. One of the main proponents of the movement was the politician [[Eduardo Suplicy]], who had previously supported bill PL 2179/2003 by Deputy [[Chico Alencar]], which had the same goal. That 2003 bill also aimed to change the expression on the Brazilian flag to Love, Order and Progress.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2004-02-20 |title=Projeto inscreve palavra amor na bandeira nacional |trans-title=Project inscribes the word love on the national flag |url=https://www.camara.leg.br/noticias/44494-projeto-inscreve-palavra-amor-na-bandeira-nacional/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707162414/https://www.camara.leg.br/noticias/44494-projeto-inscreve-palavra-amor-na-bandeira-nacional/ |archive-date=2023-07-07 |access-date=2023-07-06 |website=[[Chamber of Deputies (Brazil)|Chamber of Deputies]] |language=pt-BR}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=PL 2179/2003 |url=https://www.camara.leg.br/proposicoesWeb/fichadetramitacao?idProposicao=136692 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625155355/https://www.camara.leg.br/proposicoesWeb/fichadetramitacao?idProposicao=136692 |archive-date=2020-06-25 |access-date=2023-07-06 |website=[[Chamber of Deputies (Brazil)|Chamber of Deputies]] |language=pt-BR}}</ref>

==Flag protocol==
[[File:Bandeiras06052007.jpg|thumb|right|upright|The flag being replaced in a monthly ceremony held at the [[Praça dos Três Poderes]] (Three Powers Plaza) in [[Brasília]]]]
[[Federal Law]] No. 5,700, issued on 1 September 1971, defines the [[flag protocol]] in Brazil.<ref>[http://www.brasilrepublica.com/usobandeira.htm Uso da Bandeira Nacional] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503042956/http://www.brasilrepublica.com/usobandeira.htm |date=2019-05-03 }} Brasil República. Retrieved on 15 June 2009. {{in lang|pt}}.</ref><ref name="Protocol">[http://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/Leis/L5700.htm Lei no. 5,700 de 1 de Setembro de 1971] Presidência da República. Retrieved on 9 October 2010. {{in lang|pt}}.</ref> The flag must be permanently hoisted at the [[Praça dos Três Poderes]] in [[Brasília]]. The flag must be raised and lowered daily at the presidential palaces ([[Palácio do Planalto]] and [[Palácio da Alvorada]]); [[Ministry (government department)|ministries]]; [[National Congress of Brazil|National Congress]]; [[Supreme Federal Court|Supreme Federal Tribunal]]; [[Superior Court of Justice (Brazil)|Supreme Court of Justice]]; [[Seat of government|seats]] of the [[Executive (government)|Executive]], [[Legislative]] and [[Judicial]] branches; [[List of diplomatic missions of Brazil|diplomatic missions]]; [[Federal institutions of Brazil|Federal]], state and local institutions; and [[Merchant Navy|merchant navy]] units. When a flag is no longer fit to use, it must be delivered to a military facility to be burned during a special ceremony on 19 November ("Flag Day").

The flag must be flown at [[half-staff]] when the [[President of Brazil|President]] decrees [[official mourning]]. In addition, [[State government|state]] and [[local government]]s may decree official mourning with the death of a [[mayor]] or [[governor]]. When the flag is displayed at half-staff, prior to raising or lowering it, the flag must be raised to the top of the [[flagpole]] and then lowered to the halfway mark. When the flag is being carried in [[procession]], a black [[crape]] ribbon must be tied to the top of the mast.

A foreign flag may only be flown with a Brazilian Flag along its right side. The only exceptions are when the foreign flag is displayed in an [[embassy]] or [[consulate]] and in prize-giving ceremonies of sport competitions won by foreign athletes. When multiple flags are raised or lowered simultaneously, the Brazilian Flag must be the first to reach the top of the flagpole and the last to reach the bottom.

===Folding===
{| class="wikitable"
|- 
!Stage!!Description!!Example
|-
!First
|The upper half of the flag's height is folded into the [[Obverse and reverse|reverse]] side.
|class="noresize" rowspan="3" style="text-align:center;"|[[File:Flag of Brazil (folding).gif|150px]]
|- 
!Second
|The folding proceeds by folding the flag's lower half into the reverse side until most of the blue disc and the motto face up.
|- 
!Third
|The flag is then folded into three parts along the width axis, with the fly and hoist folded into the reverse side, leaving the blue disc and motto facing up.
|}

===Flag anthem===
{{listen|filename=Brazilian Flag Anthem (Ministry of Education).ogg|title=Vocal|description=Brazilian Flag Anthem performed by choir for the Ministry of Education.}}

{{listen|filename=Brazilian Flag Anthem.ogg|title=Vocal|description=Brazilian Flag Anthem performed by the [[Brazilian Army]] choir.<ref>[http://www.dominiopublico.gov.br/pesquisa/ResultadoPesquisaObraForm.do?first=50&skip=0&ds_titulo=&co_autor=&no_autor=&co_categoria=5&pagina=1&select_action=Submit&co_midia=3&co_obra=&co_idioma=1&colunaOrdenar=null&ordem=null Hino à Bandeira Nacional – Coral (Exército Brasileiro)] Dominiopublico.gov.br. Retrieved on 2010-10-10. {{in lang|pt}}.</ref> |format=[[Ogg]]}}
The [[Brazilian Flag Anthem]] (''Hino à Bandeira Nacional'') is a [[Hymn|song]] dedicated to the country's flag. It is performed on 19 November (Flag Day). The Portuguese lyrics were written by poet [[Olavo Bilac]], and the music composed by [[Francisco Braga]].<ref name="Hino">{{Cite web |title=HINO À BANDEIRA NACIONAL |trans-title=ANTHEM TO THE NATIONAL FLAG |url=http://www.eb.mil.br/web/midia-eletronica/hino-a-bandeira-nacional |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222123948/http://www.eb.mil.br/web/midia-eletronica/hino-a-bandeira-nacional |archive-date=2014-02-22 |access-date=2010-10-10 |website=[[Brazilian Army]] |language=pt-BR}}</ref>

{|
! Portuguese lyrics<ref name="Hino" />
! English translation
|-
| lang="pt" style="vertical-align:top; white-space:nowrap;"|
Salve, lindo pendão da esperança!<br />Salve, símbolo augusto da paz!<br />Tua nobre presença à lembrança<br />A grandeza da Pátria nos traz.

'''Chorus'''<br />Recebe o afeto que se encerra<br />Em nosso peito juvenil,<br />Querido símbolo da terra,<br />Da amada terra do Brasil!

Em teu seio formoso retratas<br />Este céu de puríssimo azul,<br />A verdura sem par destas matas,<br />E o esplendor do Cruzeiro do Sul.<br />''(Chorus)''

Contemplando o teu vulto sagrado,<br />Compreendemos o nosso dever,<br />E o Brasil por seus filhos amado,<br />Poderoso e feliz há de ser!<br />''(Chorus)''

Sobre a imensa nação brasileira,<br />Nos momentos de festa ou de dor,<br />Paira sempre, sagrada bandeira,<br />Pavilhão da justiça e do amor!<br />''(Chorus)''
| style="vertical-align:top; white-space:nowrap;"|
Hail, precious banner of hope!<br />Hail, august symbol of peace!<br />Thy noble presence to our minds<br />The greatness of our motherland does bring.

'''Chorus'''<br />Take the affection enclosed<br />In our youthful chest,<br />Dear symbol of the land,<br />Of the beloved land of Brazil!

In thy beauteous bosom thou portrayest<br />This sky of purest blue,<br />The peerless greenness of these forests,<br />And the splendor of the Southern Cross.<br />''(Chorus)''

Beholding thy sacred shadow,<br />We understand our duty,<br />And Brazil, loved by its children,<br />Powerful and happy shall be!<br />''(Chorus)''

Over the immense Brazilian Nation,<br />In times of happiness or grief,<br />Hover always, o sacred flag,<br />Pavilion of justice and love!<br />''(Chorus)''
|}

==Other flags==
[[File:Bandeiras do Brasil (1500 - atual).jpg|thumb|upright|Historical flags (1500–present-day)]]
{{see also|List of Brazilian flags}}

===Governmental flags===
The [[President of Brazil|president]] and [[Vice President of Brazil|vice president]] are also represented by their own flag.<ref>[http://flagspot.net/flags/br_pres.html President and Vice President (Brazil)] Flags of the World. Retrieved on 9 October 2010.</ref> The {{illm|Presidential standard of Brazil|pt|Bandeira presidencial do Brasil|lt=President Standard}} is a dark green rectangle (ratio 2:3) holding the [[Coat of arms of Brazil|national coat of arms]] on its center. It is usually hoisted at the President's official residence, the [[Palácio da Alvorada]], and at the President's workplace, the [[Palácio do Planalto]]. It is also displayed on the presidential car, as small-sized flags. The {{illm|Vice presidential standard of Brazil|pt|Bandeira vice-presidencial do Brasil|lt=Vice Presidential Standard}} is a yellow rectangle (ratio 2:3) with twenty-three blue stars disposed in a cross dividing the flag into four equal quadrants, with the coat of arms in the middle of the upper left quadrant.

{{gallery|noborder=yes|whitebg=no|width=120|height=120|align=center|style=text-align:center
|File:Flag President of Brazil.svg|Presidential Standard
|File:Flag of the Vice President of Brazil.svg|Vice Presidential Standard
|File:Flag of Minister of State (Brazil).svg|Flag of the Minister of Defence
}}

====Military flags====
Some of the branches of the Brazilian military also have their own flags.
<gallery class="center">
File:Flag of the Brazilian Army.svg|alt=The flag of the Brazilian Army|Brazilian Army (since 1987<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/decreto/1980-1989/1985-1987/D94336.htm | title=D94336 }}</ref>)
File:Flag of the Brazilian Air Force Command.svg|alt=The flag of the Brazilian Aeronautics Command|Brazilian Air Force (de facto flag, since 1999<ref>{{cite web | url=https://pesquisa.in.gov.br/imprensa/servlet/INPDFViewer?jornal=1&pagina=2&data=08/09/1999&captchafield=firstAccess | title=Portaria nº 592/GC3, de 6 de setembro de 1999 }}</ref>)
File:Flag of the Brazilian Navy.svg|alt=The flag of the Brazilian Navy|Brazilian Navy flag
File:Rank flag of Tenente-brigadeiro of Brazilian Air Force.svg|alt=The flag of a Brazilian air force general|Brazilian air force general flag
File:Bandeira_do_Almirante-de-Esquadra.svg|alt=The flag of a Brazilian naval admiral|Brazilian naval admiral flag
File:Bandeira-Insignia do Chefe do Estado-Maior Conjunto das Forças Armadas (Brasil).svg|Flag-insignia of the chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Brazilian Armed Forces.
</gallery>

=====Naval jack=====
The Brazilian [[Naval jack#Jacks|naval jack]] (''jaque'') is a rectangular flag (ratio 3:4) bearing 21 white stars on a dark blue field – a horizontal row of 13 and a vertical column of 9, [[Orthogonality|orthogonally]] displayed.<ref>[http://www.mar.mil.br/menu_v/cerimonial_mb/cerimonial.pdf Cerimonial da Marinha] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100827031238/http://www.mar.mil.br/menu_v/cerimonial_mb/cerimonial.pdf |date=2010-08-27 }} Marinha do Brasil. Retrieved on 2010-10-09. {{in lang|pt}}</ref>

<gallery class="center">
Bandeira do Cruzeiro.svg|Naval jack.
</gallery>

===Previous flags===
The list below identifies previous flags used in Brazil.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bandeiras Históricas do Brasil |work=Exército Brasileiro |url=http://www.exercito.gov.br/01inst/Historia/bandhist/bandhist.htm |language=pt |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071214043705/http://www.exercito.gov.br/01inst/Historia/bandhist/bandhist.htm |archive-date=2007-12-14 }}</ref>

<gallery class="center">
File:Flag of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and the Algarves (1815-1825).svg|Flag of the [[United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves]] (1816–1822)
File:Flag of the Kingdom of Brazil (1822).svg|Flag of the Brazilian Kingdom (18 September – 1 December 1822)
File:Flag of Brazil (1822-1853).svg|Flag of the Empire of Brazil, first version (1 December 1822 – 29 August 1853)
File:Bandeira_do_Império_do_Brasil_com_nó_e_cores_corretos.png|Flag of the Empire of Brazil, second version (30 August 1853 – 15 November 1889)
File:Flag of Brazil 15-19 November.svg|Provisional Flag of Republic of the United States of Brazil (15 – 19 November 1889)
File:Flag of Brazil (1889-1960).svg|First Flag of the United States of Brazil (19 November 1889 - present)
</gallery>

===Rejected flags===
The best-known rejected flags are listed below.<ref>[http://www.brasilrepublica.com/evolucaobandeira.htm Projetos de mudança da Bandeira Nacional Brasileira] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130627223735/http://www.brasilrepublica.com/evolucaobandeira.htm |date=2013-06-27 }} BrasilRepública. Retrieved on 2010-10-08. {{in lang|pt}}.</ref> Several projects were heavily inspired by the green-yellow Imperial Flag, while a black-white-red pattern was also proposed. Those colours would represent the major groups of Brazilian population, red being the natives, white the European settlers and immigrants and black the Africans.<ref>MARTIUS, p. 381</ref>

<gallery class="center">
File:Flag-lopes-trovão.svg|Project of [[Lopes Trovão]], 1888. It was raised, when the Republic took place, but has been changed by the similar proposal of Ruy Barbosa.
File:Flag of Brazil (Julio Ribeiro's proposal).svg|Project of [[Júlio Ribeiro]], 1888. Eventually became the flag of the [[São Paulo (state)|State of São Paulo]] with the addition of [[Acre (state)|Acre]] on the map
Flag of Brazil (Deodoro_project).png|Project of [[Deodoro da Fonseca]], 1889
File:Flag of Brazil (Silva Jardim's proposal).svg|Project of [[Antônio da Silva Jardim]], 1890
File:Flag_of_Brazil_(Baron_of_Rio_Branco's_proposal).svg|Project of [[José Paranhos, Baron of Rio Branco|José Maria da Silva Paranhos, Jr.]], 1890
File:Flag of Brazil (Valadão project).svg|Project of Oliveira Valadão, 1892
File:Flag of Brazil (Eurico de Góis' proposal, 1908).svg|Project of Eurico de Góis, 1908
File:Flag of Brazil (Wenceslau Escobar's proposal).svg|Project of Wenceslau Escobar, 1908
File:Flag of Brazil (Eurico de Goís' proposal, 1933).svg|Second project of Eurico de Góis, 1933
</gallery>

== See also ==
{{portal|Brazil}}
* [[List of Brazilian flags]]

== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== External links ==
*{{wikiquote-inline}}
*{{Commons category-inline|National flag of Brazil}}
* [https://www.gov.br/planalto/pt-br/conheca-a-presidencia/acervo/simbolos-nacionais/bandeira/bandeira-nacional Bandeira Nacional] at the Brazilian Government
* [https://www.gov.br/planalto/pt-br/conheca-a-presidencia/acervo/simbolos-nacionais/bandeira-insignia Bandeira - Insígnia] at the Brazilian Government
* {{FOTW|id=br|title=Brazil}}
* [http://www.flagscorner.com/brazilian-flag/ Brazil] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410230621/http://www.flagscorner.com/brazilian-flag/ |date=2022-04-10 }} at Flags Corner

{{Brazil symbols}}
{{South America topic|Flag of|title=[[Flags of South America]]}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Brazil, Flag of}}
[[Category:Flags introduced in 1889]]
[[Category:Flags introduced in 1960]]
[[Category:Flags introduced in 1968]]
[[Category:Flags introduced in 1992]]
[[Category:Flags of Brazil| ]]
[[Category:Flags with circles]]
[[Category:National flags]]
[[Category:National symbols of Brazil|Flag]]
[[Category:Quadcolor flags]]
[[Category:Southern Cross flags]]