National Mottos From Around the World

Tap a country to see its national motto and meaning.

France 🇫🇷 — Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité

Meaning "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity," this iconic motto directly embodies the spirit of the French Revolution.

United States 🇺🇸 — In God We Trust

Officially adopted as the national motto in 1956.

United Kingdom 🇬🇧 — Dieu et mon droit

Old French for "God and my right," inscribed on the British royal coat of arms.

India 🇮🇳 — Satyameva Jayate

Sanskrit for "Truth alone triumphs," a phrase drawn from ancient scripture.

Canada 🇨🇦 — A Mari Usque Ad Mare

Latin for "From sea to sea," symbolizing Canada's territory spanning the Atlantic to the Pacific.

Brazil 🇧🇷 — Ordem e Progresso

Meaning "Order and Progress," rooted in positivist philosophy and also inscribed on the national flag.

Switzerland 🇨🇭 — Unus pro omnibus, omnes pro uno

Latin for "One for all, all for one."

Spain 🇪🇸 — Plus Ultra

Latin for "Further beyond," reflecting the exploratory spirit of the Age of Discovery.

Netherlands 🇳🇱 — Je maintiendrai

French for "I will maintain," originating from the motto of the Dutch royal house.

South Africa 🇿🇦 — !ke e: /xarra //ke

A Khoisan-language phrase meaning "diverse people unite," a distinctive motto emphasizing diversity and unity.

What Do National Mottos Represent?

A national motto distills a country's core values and founding spirit into a short phrase. Historical events, religious background, or philosophical thought are often reflected directly in the wording.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every country have an official national motto?

No — some countries have no officially designated national motto, or use several unofficial mottos side by side.

Do mottos ever change over time?

Yes, national mottos are sometimes changed or newly adopted as political systems or eras shift.