During the Revolutionary War (1775-83) distinctive colors were carried by troops from Delaware, but an official state flag was not adopted until July 24, 1913. The original symbolism of the diamond shape is unknown, but it was later said to represent the nickname "Diamond State." The choice of colors is clearly understood: the uniforms of Continental Army troops were blue with buff facings. Precise color shades have been specified for Delaware's "colonial" blue and buff, but the latter is often misrepresented as yellow. The date along the bottom of the flag indicates that Delaware was the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. The coat of arms, which also appears in the state seal, was approved in 1777. It incorporates symbols appropriate for the late 18th century--a soldier, a farmer, agricultural produce (a sheaf of wheat and an ear of corn), an ox, and a ship. The design is completed by the state motto, "Liberty and independence."

Delaware Official name: State of Delaware. State nickname: the First State. Total area: 2,396 sq mi, 6,206 sq km. Population (2000): 783,600. Population by race, origin (1997): white non-Hispanic 75.7%; white Hispanic 2.9%; black (including Hispanic) 19.1%; American Indian/Eskimo/Aleut 0.3%; Asian/Pacific Islander 1.9%. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1995): 5.5 (U.S. avg. 6.0). Gross domestic (state) product (1996): U.S.$28,300,000,000 (U.S.$39,140 per capita). Land use (1992): federal land 2.6%; non-federal land 97.4%, of which forest 28.3%, cropland 40.0%, pasture 2.1%, rangeland 0.0%, urban and built-up areas 16.5%, other 10.5%. Exports by state (1997): U.S.$2,067,000,000; percent of national total 0.34%.

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