The flag of Laos consists of three horizontal stripes: a red top and bottom, with a blue stripe in the middle. In the center of the blue stripe, there is a white circle representing the moon. The red stripes symbolize the blood shed for the country’s independence. The blue stripe represents the nation's wealth and its future prospects. The white circle symbolizes unity and the full moon, which is a prominent feature in Lao culture. The flag was officially adopted on December 2, 1975, when the Lao People's Democratic Republic was established, following the end of the monarchy.