Emblem of Mozambique
The national emblem of Mozambique was adopted in 1990 in the Constitution of Mozambique Article 194, which states the design and meaning of the motif. It shows a gearwheel bordered by corn stalks and sugarcane. In the middle, there is a red sun over a map of the country in green, blue waves, an AK-47 crossed with a hoe, and a book. The wreath is tied to a ribbon bearing the name of the country. The emblem is rendered in a socialist heraldry style similar to those used by the republics of the Soviet Union.
Description
As described in Article 194, the various parts of the emblem each have a special symbolism, including:- the corn stalk and the sugar cane represent agricultural wealth
- the cogwheel represents labor and industry
- the book represents education
- the hoe for "peasantry and agriculture production"
- the AK-47, with a bayonet attached, for "defense and vigilance"
- the red star represents the spirit of international solidarity of the Mozambican people".
- the red sun symbolizes the building of a new life
In 1990, with the implementation of the new constitution, the name of the country was changed from República Popular de Moçambique to República de Moçambique, and the text on the emblem was changed accordingly.
Mozambique's parliamentary opposition would specifically like to see removed the image of the Kalashnikov assault rifle, which symbolizes the nation's struggle for independence, according to press reports.