The National emblem of Indonesia as an example

A national emblem is an emblem or seal that is reserved for use by a nation state or multi-national state as a symbol of that nation. Many nations have a seal or emblem in addition to a national flag.

Other national symbols, such as national birds, trees, flowers, etc., are listed at lists of national symbols.

Terms: emblem, coats of arms, seal

The design of an emblem is different to that of a coat of arms which should follow the rules of heraldry and so contain a shield (escutcheon) in the center. However, many unheraldic national emblems are colloquially called national coats of arms anyway, because they are used for the same purposes as national coats of arms.[1]

Some designs of national emblems can be used one-to-one for a national seal.[2]

The same for some national coats of arms like the Great Seal of the United States which is actually a coat of arms (achievement) on a seal.

National emblems by continent

In Africa

For a more comprehensive list, see Armorial of Africa.


In the Americas

For a more comprehensive list, see Armorial of North America.

For a more comprehensive list, see Armorial of South America.

In Asia

For a more comprehensive list, see Armorial of Asia.

In Europe

For a more comprehensive list, see Armorial of Europe.

In Oceania

For a more comprehensive list, see Armorial of Oceania.

See also

References

  1. ^ von Volborth, Carl-Alexander (1983). Heraldry: Customs, Rules and Styles. Ware, Hertfordshire: Omega Books Ltd. p. 11. ISBN 0-907853-47-1.
  2. ^ Seal and emblem of the United States Department of the Army: not a national emblem/seal but an example for a emblem and a seal, see also: Department of the Army Emblem, U.S. Army Center of Military History
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