Costa Rica Coat of Arms & National Symbols: Meaning Explained
Explore the three volcanoes, two oceans, merchant ships, rising sun and seven provincial stars on Costa Rica’s national coat of arms—and why its legal use is restricted.
What is on the Costa Rica coat of arms?
Law 10178 describes a landscape framed by two myrtle palms. Inside the shield are three volcanoes, an extensive valley between two oceans, a merchant ship on each ocean and a rising sun at the horizon.
Above the volcanoes are seven equal stars. A white ribbon carries the words República de Costa Rica, while a blue crown-shaped ribbon above the shield reads América Central.
What do the symbols represent?
Why are there seven stars?
The seven stars represent Costa Rica’s seven provinces: San José, Alajuela, Cartago, Heredia, Guanacaste, Puntarenas and Limón.
Law 10178 specifies that the stars are equal in size and arranged in an arc above the volcanoes.
Why are there ships on the coat of arms?
A merchant ship appears on each of the two oceans in the legal design. Together with the valley and oceans, the ships emphasize Costa Rica’s geographic position and its access to maritime trade on both sides of the country.
Who may use the national coat of arms?
Use of the coat of arms is more restricted than use of the ordinary national flag. Law 10178 reserves official letterhead use to specified state authorities, including members of the Supreme Powers, the president of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, ambassadors and consuls.
The law also prohibits private use of the coat of arms on private seals, trademarks or factory marks.
Costa Rica coat of arms FAQ
How many volcanoes are on the coat of arms?
Three.
How many stars are there?
Seven, one for each province.
What do the two ships represent?
They appear on the two oceans and reflect Costa Rica’s maritime geography and trade connections.
Can private businesses use the coat of arms as a trademark?
Law 10178 prohibits private use of the national coat of arms in trademarks and private seals.
Law 10178 — legal description of the coat of arms
Presidency of Costa Rica — El Escudo Nacional
