Paraguay flag is only one in the world to be different on both sides | World | News

The only flag in the world emblazoned with different designs on both sides belongs to South America’s least-visited country, Paraguay. 

Even though the colours on each side are the same, distinct emblems on the front and back make the flag unique to tell the story of this country’s rich history.  

Its national coat of arms sits on the front, made up of a yellow five-pointed star surrounded by a wreath of palm and olive leaves, encircled by the words ‘Republica del Paraguay’ (Republic of Paraguay). It represents the country’s independence which was declared on 14 May 1811. 

On the other side is Paraguay’s seal of treasury, said to symbolise courage and liberty. The emblem shows a lion sitting in front of a staff with a hat on top, surrounded by the words Paz y Justicia (“Peace and Justice”), which is Paraguay’s national motto. 

Located in the centre of South America, this landlocked country officially adopted the double sided design in 1842.

Remarkably similar to the French flag, the red, white and blue stripes are said to have been influenced by France due to it standing for independence and liberty.

Even though it’s neighbours rely heavily on the tourism industry, Paraguay is the least visited country in South America and its economy relies on agriculture and hydroelectric power. 

Interestly despite the country being landlocked, it has one of the world’s largest underground freshwater reserves and of the tourists that do visit, they are drawn by the waterfalls, caves, lakes, and wildlife.

It is one of the few South-American countries which retained its native tongue as the official language, with Guaraní as its first language and Spanish as its second.