Alongside the shift to the republican system in 1911, the flag from monarchical days was made the official national flag. The main parts of the national emblem are depicted in the center and the left side. On top of the golden celestial globe, a white shield surrounded with a red band is layered, and seven golden castles and five small blue shields are depicted as well. The celestial globe represents the great expeditions on sea by the Portuguese. The base color red expresses victory and heroism, green, hope, and white harmony and peace.