National Emblem | Somaliland Government Brand

National Emblem Overview

The National Emblem of the Republic of Somaliland is the highest national symbol of the State. It represents sovereignty, unity, and constitutional authority, and serves as the most recognised official identifier of national government representation.

This section provides the approved standards for the National Emblem, including its official versions, authorised use, protection rules, and technical requirements to ensure clarity, dignity, and consistency across all applications.

Official National Emblem

The emblem displayed below is the sole official and authoritative version of the National Emblem of the Republic of Somaliland. It is the approved master artwork for all reproduction and official use.

The National Emblem must be used exactly as provided, without modification, redesign, effects, or reinterpretation. Only the official files issued through this portal may be used in authorised contexts.

The National Emblem of the Republic of Somaliland in full colour, showing the Bismillah inscription, scales of justice, eagle, handshake and laurel wreath on a yellow disc

Important:

Only the official master artwork may be used in any authorised Government application.

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Authorised Use of the National Emblem

The National Emblem may be used in official Government contexts as a symbol of State sovereignty and authority. Its use signifies formal endorsement and must always respect the hierarchy of national identity.

Authorised uses include:

Constitutional, legal, and legislative documents
Presidential decrees and formal State proclamations
National laws, treaties, and official agreements
Official certificates, seals, and stamps
Formal Government publications and notices
Ceremonial and official State events
Supporting use within ministry or institutional materials, where the institution’s logo remains the primary identifier

The National Emblem may appear alone or alongside institutional identities for official applications such as printing, certification, or validation. However, it must never replace the approved logo of a ministry, agency, programme, or government institution.

Any use that presents the National Emblem as a commercial mark, standalone institutional logo, or endorsement symbol is prohibited without formal State approval.

Emblem Anatomy

The National Emblem is composed of a fixed set of symbolic elements arranged in a balanced official composition. These elements form one complete emblem and must not be removed, redrawn, rearranged, or replaced.

This diagram identifies the key components of the emblem and explains their symbolic meaning as part of Somaliland’s national identity.

Anatomy of the National Emblem with each element labelled: the circular field, the Arabic inscription Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim, the central inscription Allahu Akbar, the eagle, the scales of justice, the handshake and the laurel branches, each with its meaning.

Important:

The National Emblem and its elements are defined as official state symbols under Article 7 of the Constitution of the Republic of Somaliland. The emblem must always be used in its complete and official form.

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Emblem Versions

The National Emblem of the Republic of Somaliland is provided in officially approved versions to ensure correct use across different applications and backgrounds. Each version maintains the integrity, proportions, and symbolic meaning of the emblem and must be used only as specified to preserve clarity, consistency, and official authority.

Full-Colour Emblem (Primary)

The official and preferred version of the National Emblem. This version must be used in all state applications where colour reproduction is available, representing the full authority and identity of the Republic of Somaliland.

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Approved line version of the National Emblem, drawn in black outline on white for single-ink reproduction.

Black Emblem (Monochrome)

Used when colour printing is not possible, such as in black-and-white documents, stamps, or engraving. This version ensures legibility while maintaining the emblem’s official form.

Approved solid black version of the National Emblem, for use where only one solid ink is available.

White Emblem (Reversed)

Used on dark or high-contrast backgrounds where a single-colour emblem is required. This version ensures visibility and consistency in restricted or low-light applications.

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Clear Space

To preserve clarity and authority, a minimum clear space must be maintained around the National Emblem at all times. The clear space is defined as E, where E = ¼ of the emblem’s diameter (X), and must be measured from the outer edge of the emblem and applied equally on all sides. No text, images, borders, or graphic elements may enter this protected area. This rule applies to all sizes and all applications, including print, digital, signage, and environmental use.

Important

The clear space must never be reduced, regardless of layout constraints or application type.

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Minimum Size

To preserve legibility and official integrity, the National Emblem must not be reproduced at sizes where its details become unclear. The emblem includes fine symbolic elements that require sufficient scale to remain recognisable and respectful.

Minimum size standards:

Print: 2.5 cm (minimum diameter)
Digital: 120 px (minimum diameter)

If the emblem cannot meet the minimum size requirements in a specific application, it must not be used in that format.

Minimum reproduction sizes for the National Emblem: 2.5 cm wide in print, shown against an A4 sheet, and 120 pixels wide on screen, shown against a phone.

Important

The National Emblem must never be reduced to a size that compromises clarity, dignity, or official authority.

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Incorrect Emblem

This section illustrates common examples of incorrect use of the National Emblem. Any misuse, alteration, or unauthorised application weakens the emblem’s authority and legal status. The following practices are strictly prohibited and must never be applied in any context.

Incorrect use: the National Emblem stretched horizontally out of its correct proportions.

Shape & Proportion

Do not stretch, compress, rotate, crop, or alter the emblem.

Incorrect use: the National Emblem recoloured, with the yellow field replaced by turquoise and the scales in red.

Color & Visual Effects

Do not recolour or apply effects such as gradients, shadows, or filters.

Incorrect use: the National Emblem placed over a busy photographic background.

Background & Placement

Do not place the emblem on busy, low-contrast, or restricted backgrounds.

Incorrect use: the National Emblem enclosed in an added ring carrying an institution's name.

Text & Graphic Additions

Do not add text, slogans, symbols, or combine with other graphics.

Incorrect use: the National Emblem with a drop shadow and glow effect applied.

Quality & Reproduction

Do not use low-quality, scanned, or redrawn versions of the emblem.

Unauthorised Use

Do not use the emblem for departments, companies, or endorsements.

Outdated or Unofficial (Do Not Use)

Only the officially approved National Emblem of the Republic of Somaliland may be used in any Government, institutional, or official context. All previous, modified, stylised, or unofficial versions are invalid and must not be used.

Outdated or unauthorised emblems weaken consistency, reduce authority, and affect the legal standing of official Government communication. Any unofficial emblem must be replaced with the approved emblem wherever it appears.

Outdated and unofficial emblem versions shown side by side, none of which may be used.

Outdated or Unofficial Emblems (Do Not Use)

Any previous, modified, or unapproved versions of the National Emblem are invalid and must not be used.

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