Coat of Arms

The central feature of the Coat of Arms is a Warrior’s Shield which bears a Golden portion on the upper part followed underneath by the United Republic of Tanzania flag and a red portion under which are wavy bands of blue and white. The Golden portion represents minerals available in the country; the red portion underneath the flag symbolizes the red soil of Africa; while the wavy bands represent the land, sea, lakes and coastal lines of Tanzania. Superimposed features on the Shield are flames of a burning torch which signifies freedom, enlightenment and knowledge; a spear signifying defence of freedom and crossed axe and hoe being tools that the people of the United Republic of Tanzania use in developing the country. The Shield is set upon a representation of Mount Kilimanjaro. On each side of the Shield there is an elephant tusk supported by a man on the left and a woman on the right. At the feet of the man is a clove bush and at the feet of the woman is a cotton bush, thus indicating the theme of co-operation. The United Republic of Tanzania motto “Uhuru na Umoja” is written in Kiswahili and it means “Freedom and Unity