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State of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)

7:10 by André Pires Godinho
Officially adopted 1947(?)

Flag of the State of Rio de Janeiro

Construction Sheet

Coat of Arms of the State of Rio de Janeiro
History of the Symbols of Rio de Janeiro
19th Century Merchant Ship Pennant

Flag of the State of Rio de Janeiro

On 23 July 1975, the new constitution of the State of Rio de Janeiro established that the flag and the shield of the new state (which was absorbing Guanabara) would be the same that those of the ancient state. The blue and white are the traditional colors of Portugal.
Jaume Ollé, 2 July 1996

According to articles 8 and 10 through 12 of law no. 5588 of 5 October 1965, the flag is 7:10, divided quarterly white and blue-celeste, with the white in the upper hoist and lower fly, with the state coat of arms on the center.
Joseph McMillan, 10 July 2002

The current flag law is from 1965 and makes no mention of any earlier state flag. However, Whitney Smith says the flag was adopted in 1947. I have thus far been unable to verify the 1947 adoption date from laws and decrees published in the state's Diário Oficial for 1947.
Joseph McMillan, 10 September 2002

A set of cards distributed with bars of Eucalol soap in the 1930s shows Rio de Janeiro state with the same flag as that used today except that the style of the coat of arms is consistent with its appearance in the 1920s and 1930s. Obviously this flag dates from before the reported adoption date of 1947, at least de facto. It is possible that 1947 was when it was readopted following the 1937-46 period in which state flags were legally banned.
Joseph McMillan, 13 February 2003

Construction Sheet of the Rio de Janeiro State Flag

by André Pires Godinho

Coat of Arms of Rio de Janeiro State

by Joseph McMillan

Law no. 5588 of 5 October 1965 provides the most recent official description and interpretation of the arms