The flag of Gran Colombia was based on Francisco de Miranda's Venezuelan tricolour which served as the national flag of the First Republic of Venezuela, It was served as the basis for the current flags of Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela, which emerged as independent nations at the breakup of Gran Colombia in 1831.

According to the current interpretation, the colours signify: The first flag was adopted in late 1819.

On 10 January 1820, the Department of Cundinamarca, one of the three official departments of the republic, adopted arms of its own alleging that the arms of the republic were only used in Venezuela.

On 11 July 1822, Guayaquil was incorporated and Gran Colombia reached its largest size.

After the Dissolution of Gran Colombia three of the nations flags remained a yellow-blue-red tricolor, except for British Guiana which took on the Union Jack.