What is the name of the solitary star on the flag of Chile?

The solitary star on the flag of Chile is called La Estrella Solitaria, meaning “The Lone Star.” It is the white five-pointed star placed in the center of the blue canton at the flag’s upper hoist side.

Chile’s current flag was officially adopted on 18 October 1817, during the country’s struggle for independence from Spain. Its design combines a blue square, a white upper band, and a red lower band. The star is often interpreted as representing an independent state, while other explanations connect it with guidance, honor, and progress.

The star also has links to Mapuche symbolism. In Mapuche tradition, the morning star or Venus was known as Guñelve or Wünelfe and was represented with an eight-pointed form. Chile’s modern flag uses a five-pointed star, reflecting a later adaptation of that imagery.

A common mix-up is to call the star simply “the Lone Star” as though it were an astronomical object. In this context, La Estrella Solitaria is the established Spanish name for Chile’s national flag and its distinctive single star.