The flag that is most similar to the flag of Puerto Rico is the Cuban flag.
Uncanny Resemblance: Puerto Rico and Cuba
The flags of Puerto Rico and Cuba share striking similarities in design and colors, making the Cuban flag notably similar to the Puerto Rican flag.
As highlighted in the provided reference:
The similarities between the Cuban (top) and Puerto Rican (bottom) flags are not accidental. The Cuban flag was designed in 1849 by Narciso López, a pro-independence exile living in New York City.
While the designs are incredibly alike, the colors are essentially reversed.
Key Similarities and Differences
Let's look at the core elements of both flags:
| Feature | Cuban Flag | Puerto Rican Flag |
|---|---|---|
| Stripes | 5 horizontal stripes: 3 blue, 2 white | 5 horizontal stripes: 3 red, 2 white |
| Triangle | Red equilateral triangle | Blue equilateral triangle |
| Star | White five-pointed star | White five-pointed star |
| Designer | Narciso López (1849) | Lares Committee (attributed, c. 1895) |
| Origin | Designed in New York City | Designed in New York City (attributed) |
Both flags were conceptualized by pro-independence movements operating from New York City, which explains their remarkable resemblance and suggests a shared historical aspiration for sovereignty in the 19th century.
The design of the Cuban flag predates the Puerto Rican flag, setting a visual precedent that was later adapted by Puerto Rican independence advocates. This shared heritage is visually represented in their respective national symbols.
