Pacific War

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War 1879–83 fought by an alliance of Bolivia and Peru against Chile. Chile seized Antofagasta and the coast between the mouths of the rivers Loa and Paposo, rendering Bolivia landlocked, and also annexed the south Peruvian coastline from Arica to the mouth of the Loa, including the nitrate fields of the Atacama Desert.

Bolivia has since tried to regain Pacific access, either by a corridor across its former Antofagasta province or by a twin port with Arica at the end of the rail link from La Paz. Brazil supports the Bolivian claims, which would facilitate its own transcontinental traffic.

Blue expresses patriotism and noble ideas. Red denotes bravery. White symbolizes peace and purity. The stars stand for the three island groups: Luzon, the Visayan, and Mindanao. Effective date: 25 March 1936. >>