Haiti Coat of Arms: Palm Tree, Cannons, Flags & “L’Union fait la Force”
Understand the symbols at the center of Haiti’s state flag and what the Constitution says about the arms of the Republic.
HaitiNational arms on a white panel1What is shown in Haiti’s coat of arms?
The emblem includes a palm tree, a Phrygian-style liberty cap, cannons, flags, rifles and other military equipment. These elements form a trophy of arms beneath the palm.
2Palm tree and liberty cap
The palm tree forms the central vertical element. The liberty cap above it connects the emblem to revolutionary ideas of freedom and republican independence.
3Cannons, flags and military trophies
The surrounding weapons and standards recall the armed struggle that produced Haitian independence. They also give the emblem its distinctive military-trophy composition.
4What does “L’Union fait la Force” mean?
The phrase means “Unity Makes Strength.” It appears in the constitutional description of the arms and is one of Haiti’s best-known national mottos.
5What does the Constitution say?
Article 3 of the 1987 Constitution defines the flag and states that the arms consist of the palm tree topped by the liberty cap, shading a trophy of arms, with the legend L’Union fait la Force.
6FAQ
Is the coat of arms on every Haitian flag?
The constitutional state emblem includes the arms on a white central panel. Plain blue-red versions are also commonly described as civil flags.
What is the central plant?
A palm tree.
What does the motto mean?
“Unity Makes Strength.”
