Emblem of Laos

Emblem of Laos

The Emblem of Laos is the national emblem of the Lao People's Democratic Republic. It was adopted in 1991, replacing the earlier version that was used from 1975 to 1991.

Design

The emblem features a depiction of the Pha That Luang, the national symbol and the most important Buddhist monument in Laos. Surrounding the stupa are images of a dam, a road, and a paddy field, representing the country's infrastructure, agriculture, and natural resources. The emblem is encircled by a gear, symbolizing industry, and is flanked by stalks of rice, which signify the importance of agriculture to the Lao economy.

At the bottom of the emblem, there is a red ribbon with the national motto in Lao: "Peace, Independence, Democracy, Unity, and Prosperity" (ສັນຕິພາບ, ເອກະລາດ, ປະຊາທິປະໄຕ, ເອກະພາບ, ຄວາມມັ່ງຄັ່ງ).

Historical Development

The current emblem was adopted in 1991, following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the subsequent political changes in Laos. The previous emblem, used from 1975 to 1991, was similar but included a red star and hammer and sickle, reflecting the country's communist ideology at the time.

Symbolism

• Pha That Luang: Represents the nation's Buddhist heritage and cultural identity.
• Dam, road, and paddy field: Symbolize the country's infrastructure, agriculture, and natural resources.
• Gear: Represents industry and the working class.
• Rice stalks: Signify the importance of agriculture to the Lao economy.
• Red ribbon with national motto: Emphasizes the values of "Peace, Independence, Democracy, Unity, and Prosperity."

See also

• Flag of Laos
• National anthem of Laos
• Pha That Luang
• History of Laos