Coat of arms of Nauru

Symbolism

The coat of arms of Nauru features a shield split into three parts. The top section shows the alchemical symbol for phosphorus on a golden woven background, which represents the people of the island. The lower left section is silver, with a black frigatebird—the national bird—perched above blue ocean waves. The lower right section is blue and holds a branch of seven tomano flowers, each with six leaves.

Around the shield are elements of traditional tribal gear called ikiriri: ropes made from palm leaves, frigatebird feathers, and shark teeth. Above the shield sits a twelve-pointed star from the flag, standing for the twelve Nauruan tribes. A ribbon above the star reads the island’s name in Micronesian Nauruan: Naoero. A ribbon below carries the national motto: God’s Will First.

In 2019, an act updated the official interpretation. The alchemical symbol was redefined as a Christian cross on Mount Calvary, highlighting the country’s Christian faith and downplaying phosphate mining. Other adjustments specified that the ropes are made from coconut husks and the shark teeth are actually Argopecten shells.