The national coat of arms of Equatorial Guinea is a symbol of the country’s sovereignty and identity. It features a shield divided into three parts, each representing a different aspect of the country’s history and culture. The shield is supported by two silver-grey elephants, which are symbols of strength and power.
The top part of the shield is blue and features a golden six-pointed star. This represents the country’s location on the equator and its aspirations for a bright future. The middle part of the shield is divided into two parts. The left side is green and features a silver-grey plow, which represents the country’s agricultural heritage. The right side is blue and features a silver-grey ship, which represents the country’s maritime history and its potential for economic growth.
The bottom part of the shield is red and features a golden sun with six rays. This represents the country’s independence and its determination to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness. Above the shield is a golden banner with the country’s motto, “Unidad, Paz, Justicia” (Unity, Peace, Justice).
The colors used in the coat of arms have symbolic meaning as well. Blue represents the sea and sky, green represents the country’s forests and agriculture, red represents the blood shed for independence, and gold represents the country’s wealth and potential.
The current coat of arms was adopted in 1982, after Equatorial Guinea gained independence from Spain in 1968. However, the use of a coat of arms in the country’s official seals and documents dates back to the colonial era. The first coat of arms used in Equatorial Guinea was that of the Spanish colony of Rio Muni, which featured a shield with a castle and a lion. This was later replaced by the coat of arms of Spanish Guinea, which featured a shield with a palm tree and a banner with the country’s name.
After independence, the country adopted a new coat of arms that featured a shield with a map of the country and a banner with the country’s name. This was later replaced by the current coat of arms, which was designed by the Equatoguinean artist, Leandro Mbomio Nsue.
The coat of arms is an important symbol of Equatorial Guinea’s national identity and is used on official documents, currency, and government buildings. It is also featured prominently in the country’s flag, which features the coat of arms in the center of a horizontal tricolor of green, white, and red.
In conclusion, the national coat of arms of Equatorial Guinea is a powerful symbol of the country’s history, culture, and aspirations. It represents the country’s location on the equator, its agricultural and maritime heritage, its independence and determination, and its unity, peace, and justice. The use of the coat of arms in official seals, documents, and the national flag reflects the importance of this symbol in the country’s national identity.