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"América Central" (Central America) is
imprinted in silver letters on the blue ribbon at the top
of the coat of arms. The two branches of myrtle closing
the coat of arms represent the peace of Costa Rica. On the
white ribbon that joins the branches, the title
"Republica de Costa Rica" (Republic of Costa
Rica) is imprinted in golden letters. The seven stars
above the volcanoes represent the seven provinces of Costa
Rica: Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limon,
Puntarenas, and San José.
The volcanoes represent the three
Costa Rica's mountain range systems. They form a valley
and divide the country in two parts. The two oceans
represent the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The merchant
ships sailing on each ocean represent the cultural and
commercial exchange between Costa Rica and the rest of the
world. The rising sun represents the prosperity of Costa
Rica.
The small circles on both sides
of the coat represent the coffee beans, "Golden
Beans." |
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The Honorable President Jose María Castro Madriz decreed the
creation of the National Shield on September 29, 1848. The
National Shield has been redesigned twice. In 1906 all the war
elements (cannons, rifles, etc.) were taken off, and in 1964 two
stars were added since Costa Rica gained two more provinces
(Limon & Puntarenas). Those changes underlined the peaceful
and civil nature of the Costa Rican people. |
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