three equal vertical bands of light blue (hoist side), white, and light blue, with the coat of arms centered in the white band
the coat of arms includes a green and red quetzal (the national bird) representing liberty and a scroll bearing the inscription LIBERTAD 15 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1821 (the original date of independence from Spain) all superimposed on a pair of crossed rifles signifying Guatemala's willingness to defend itself and a pair of crossed swords representing honor and framed by a laurel wreath symbolizing victory
the blue bands represent the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea
the white band denotes peace and purity
note: one of only two national flags featuring a firearm, the other is Mozambique