Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro

About the place: Duque de Caxias is a major city in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, situated on the shores of Guanabara Bay. It is one of the most populous and economically key municipalities in the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area, well known for its petrochemical industry.

Flag Description: The flag consists of a white field charged with a light blue saltire (St. Andrew's cross). In the center of the flag is the municipal coat of arms. The coat of arms features a shield divided into a red upper chief with a golden ducal crown and a yellow lower field containing a blue silhouette map with a silver industrial refinery and two red five-pointed stars on the sides. Above the shield rests a golden mural crown with five towers, and below is a green scroll bearing the black inscription 'DUQUE DE CAXIAS' flanked by the years '1565' and '1943'.

Symbolism: The light blue and white colors reference the traditional colors of the state of Rio de Janeiro, while the saltire represents Christian tradition. The golden ducal crown in the red chief honors the Duke of Caxias (Luís Alves de Lima e Silva), patron of the Brazilian Army, after whom the city is named. The industrial silhouette within the map represents the REDUC petrochemical complex, a cornerstone of the local economy, flanked by stars symbolizing municipal districts. The green scroll bears the city's name alongside the dates of early settlement (1565) and municipal emancipation (1943).