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Coat of arms of East Timor since 2007

The coat of arms of East Timor (officially: Timor-Leste) was introduced on 18 January 2007 under the Law 02/2007. It is based on a design first used when the country unilaterally declared independence on November 28, 1975.

The motto in Portuguese is "Unidade, Acção, Progresso" ("Unity, Action, Progress").

[edit] Portuguese Timor (1935-1975)

The arms of Portuguese Timor followed the same format of other Portuguese colonies (later overseas provinces) with the territory being represented by the black and white Dominican cross in recognition of the role played by the Dominican Order in converting the Timorese to Catholicism.^[1]

[edit] Indonesian Rule (Timor Timur)

Indonesia invaded East Timor in 1975 and annexed it the following year as its 27th province of Timor Timur. During this period, Timor Timur had its own coat of arms which remained in use until Indonesia rescinded its annexation in 1999. The arms consisted of a golden shield containing wreaths of wheat and cotton enclosing a blue roundel containing stylized buildings. This was surmounted by a blue shield depicting a gold star representing the faith in one God. Below the roundel appeared a traditional Timorese headdress (Kaibauk) bearing the inscription "Timor Timur".

[edit] United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor

The seal used by the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) depicted an outline of the island of Timor, a crocodile, traditional head-dress and tais patterns. The seal included the words Timor Lorosa’e and Governu in Tetum or Timor Leste and Governo in Portuguese.

[edit] Former coat of arms (2002-2007)

The former coat of arms contains the shield of the Conselho Nacional de Resistência Timorense (National Council of Timorese Resistance). The main elements are two crossed Suriks (traditional Timorese swords), together with a spear, a star, and two arrows.

The country's title, in Portuguese, is on a blue ring around the shield and a sun with 14 rays.

The motto in the banner translates as: "Honour, Homeland, and People".