kids encyclopedia robot

National symbol facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts


A national symbol is a symbol of any entity considering and manifesting itself to the world as a national community: the sovereign states but also nations and countries in a state of colonial or other dependence, federal integration, or even an ethnocultural community considered a 'nationality' despite having no political autonomy.

National symbols intend to unite people by creating visual, verbal, or iconic representations of the national people, values, goals, or history. These symbols are often rallied around as part of celebrations of patriotism or aspiring nationalism (such as independence, autonomy,or separation movements) and are designed to be inclusive and representative of all the people of the national community.

Common official national symbols

Some official national symbols like seals are insignias that not everybody is allowed to use.

Unofficial national symbols

Kriváň
The mountain Kriváň - one of the unofficial symbols of Slovakia

In many ways, well-known sights in a country can also be seen as national symbols, as can traditional items of handicraft, folk costumes, natural monuments, national epics and national myths, as well as symbols used by national sports teams and their supporters.

Goethe Schillermonument
Nationaltheater and Goethe–Schiller Monument in Weimar one of the national symbols of Germany (1996)

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Símbolo nacional para niños

kids search engine
National symbol Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.