Nicaragua Coat of Arms: Five Volcanoes, Rainbow, Phrygian Cap & Meaning
A symbol-by-symbol guide to Nicaragua’s triangular coat of arms, from the five volcanoes and two seas to the rainbow and liberty cap.
1 Why is the coat of arms triangular?
The national-symbols law describes an equilateral triangle as the central form of the coat of arms. The triangle symbolizes equality.
2 What do the five volcanoes mean?
The five volcanoes represent the five historic Central American republics and the idea of fraternity among them. Official explanations also link them to Nicaragua’s aspiration for renewed Central American unity.
The volcanoes rise from an isthmus washed by two seas, reinforcing Nicaragua’s geographical position between the Caribbean and Pacific.
3 What does the rainbow symbolize?
The rainbow symbolizes peace. It arches over the volcanoes near the top of the triangular shield.
4 What is the red cap?
The cap is a Phrygian cap, a traditional emblem of liberty. In Nicaragua’s coat of arms it symbolizes freedom and radiates light beneath the rainbow.
5 What do the words around the emblem say?
The outer inscription identifies the country and region: República de Nicaragua above and América Central below.
6 FAQ
Why are there five volcanoes?
They represent the five historic Central American republics and the ideal of fraternity among them.
What does the rainbow mean?
Peace.
What does the Phrygian cap mean?
Liberty.
