This map is a world map displaying the coats of arms or national emblems of various countries.
Coats of arms are heraldic symbols used by countries, regions, or families as a unique identifier and often hold historical, cultural, and political significance.
Why Do Countries Have Coats of Arms?
Coats of arms are used to represent sovereignty, authority, and the cultural identity of a nation. Historically, coats of arms were used by knights in battle for identification.
In modern times, countries adopt coats of arms to embody their values, significant historical events, natural resources, or elements of their identity.
Unique Coats of Arms on the Map
United Kingdom: The UK’s coat of arms is very elaborate, featuring a lion and a unicorn, symbolizing England and Scotland, respectively. The motto “Dieu et mon droit” is French for “God and my right,” and the coat of arms includes the shield with the three lions of England, the lion of Scotland, and the harp of Ireland.
Mexico: The Mexican coat of arms features an eagle perched on a prickly pear cactus devouring a snake. This imagery comes from an Aztec legend where the gods told the Aztecs to build a city where they saw an eagle eating a snake on a cactus, which became Mexico City.
Bhutan: Bhutan’s coat of arms is quite distinct with its dragon imagery, which symbolizes the country being known as “Druk Yul” or “Land of the Thunder Dragon.” The dragon holds jewels in its claws, representing wealth, while its snarling mouth symbolizes the protection of the country.
Australia: The coat of arms of Australia features a kangaroo and an emu, which are indigenous to the country. They stand on a shield displaying the badges of the six states, with the star of the Commonwealth above.
Iran: The emblem of Iran consists of several components that together form the word “Allah” in Arabic script. It also resembles a tulip, which is a traditional symbol of martyrdom in Iran.
Japan: Japan’s emblem is the Chrysanthemum Seal, an image of a 16-petal chrysanthemum flower. This is associated with the Imperial Family and symbolizes the emperor and the monarchy.
Canada: Shield: Divided into five sections, featuring the three lions of England, the lion of Scotland, the harp of Ireland, and the fleurs-de-lis of France.
The bottom part shows a sprig of maple leaves, representing Canada. “A Mari Usque Ad Mare” (“From Sea to Sea”) is the national motto, and “Desiderantes Meliorem Patriam” (“They desire a better country”) is the motto of the Order of Canada.
United States: The central element is a bald eagle with outstretched wings, symbolizing strength and freedom. The eagle bears a shield with 13 red and white stripes representing the original 13 colonies, topped by a blue chief representing Congress.
The eagle holds an olive branch (a symbol of peace) in its right talon and arrows (a symbol of war) in its left talon, showing a preference for peace but readiness for defense. The banner in the eagle’s beak reads “E Pluribus Unum” (“Out of Many, One”), signifying unity among diversity.
Germany: The coat of arms of Germany is one of the oldest in the world and is officially called the “Bundesadler” or “Federal Eagle.” The eagle has been a symbol of the German state since the medieval Holy Roman Empire, evolving over centuries while retaining its essence as a national symbol of power and freedom.
Russia: The coat of arms of Russia features a double-headed eagle, a symbol that dates back to the Byzantine Empire and has been associated with Russian statehood for centuries.
The eagle is topped with three crowns, representing sovereignty and the unity of Russia’s regions. It holds a scepter and orb, symbols of autocratic power. The smaller shield depicts Saint George slaying a dragon, a symbol of the protection of Russia from its enemies.
Coats of Arms of European Countries
And because it’s difficult to see on a world map here’s a closeup view of Europe:
Which one is your favourite?
Hamish Farquharson says
Slightly inaccurate in the UK’s coat of arms – the one posted is that of the UK excluding Scotland. In Scotland, the lion and unicorn are reversed, with the motto “nemo me impune lacessit” and the English 3 lions and Scottish lion rampant swapped, so there are two quarters with the lion rampant. Among other more subtle differences, of course.