Coat of arms of Zambia

The Coat of arms of Zambia was adopted on 24 October 1964, when the country gained independence from the United Kingdom. The coat of arms is a symbol of national unity and reflects the country's rich cultural heritage and natural resources.

Design[edit | edit source]

The coat of arms consists of a shield, supporters, a compartment, and a motto.

Shield[edit | edit source]

The shield is divided into two main sections. The upper section, or chief, is black and features a crossed pickaxe and hoe in gold, symbolizing the importance of agriculture and mining to the Zambian economy. The lower section is silver with six blue wavy vertical lines, representing the Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River.

Supporters[edit | edit source]

The shield is supported by two figures: a male and a female Zambian, dressed in traditional attire. These figures represent the people of Zambia and their role in the nation's development.

Compartment[edit | edit source]

The compartment at the base of the coat of arms includes a maize cob, a mine shaft headframe, and a zebra. The maize cob symbolizes agriculture, the mine shaft headframe represents the mining industry, and the zebra signifies the country's wildlife and natural beauty.

Motto[edit | edit source]

The motto "One Zambia, One Nation" is displayed on a scroll beneath the compartment. This motto emphasizes the importance of national unity and the collective identity of the Zambian people.

Symbolism[edit | edit source]

The various elements of the coat of arms reflect the key aspects of Zambia's identity and aspirations. The agricultural and mining symbols highlight the economic foundations of the country, while the natural elements underscore the importance of preserving Zambia's environment and wildlife. The human figures and the motto reinforce the theme of unity and the collective effort required to build a prosperous nation.

History[edit | edit source]

The coat of arms was designed in the lead-up to Zambia's independence in 1964. It replaced the earlier colonial emblem and was intended to represent the new nation's sovereignty and aspirations. The design was influenced by Zambia's natural resources, cultural heritage, and the desire for national unity.