The flag of Peru consists of three horizontal stripes of equal width: red at the top, white in the middle, and red at the bottom. In the center of the white stripe is the coat of arms, which features a shield surrounded by a palm branch on the left and a laurel branch on the right. The shield itself depicts a vicuña, a cinchona tree (a source of quinine, which is used to treat malaria), and a yellow cornucopia overflowing with gold coins. Above the shield is a small crest with a sun rising over the Andes Mountains. The colors of the flag represent various aspects of Peruvian history and culture, such as the blood of those who fought for independence, the snow of the Andes, and the purity of the nation’s ideals.