Flag of Uruguay

Uruguay's flag features nine equal horizontal stripes alternating white and blue, with the first stripe being white. In the upper hoist-side corner, a golden "Sun of May" emblem is positioned. This sun has a human face and emits sixteen rays, alternating between straight and wavy.

The nine stripes represent the original nine departments of Uruguay. The colors blue and white were chosen as they were the colors of the Argentine flag, acknowledging Uruguay's historical ties. The "Sun of May" is a national symbol representing Inti, the Incan sun god, and commemorates the May Revolution of 1810, a key event in the independence of Spanish South America.

The flag of Uruguay was officially adopted on July 11, 1830. It was inspired by the flags of the United States and Greece, reflecting Uruguay's desire for independence and republican ideals. The design was conceived by Joaquín Suárez, who served as Provisional Governor of Uruguay. While no significant changes have been made to the core design, minor variations in the sun's depiction have occurred over time.