National Emblem of Cambodia

Heraldry of the World
Civic heraldry of Cambodia

THE NATIONAL EMBLEM AND COAT OF ARMS OF CAMBODIA

Origin/meaning

The emblem/coat of arms of Cambodia is identical to the Royal arms and was adopted in 2002. It has existed in slightly different versions since the 19th century. But for a long time it was not the State Symbol, but only that of the reiging Monarch.

Depicted on the coat of arms are two animals which are a gajasingha (a lion with an elephant trunk) on the left, and a rajasingha (a royal lion), on the right. Supported by the animals are two royal five-tiered umbrellas. In between is a royal crown with a shining diamond at its top. On a light blue field beneath the Crown is an Unalome sign atop a sacred sword, which rests on two stacked phan (pedestalled platters).

The Khmer language phrase on the banner beneath the royal arms translates to: Preah Chao (royal or auspicious ruler) - Krung (area, or in this case, kingdom) - Kampuchea (Cambodia): "King of the Kingdom of Cambodia".

Previous emblems

The history of Cambodia since its independence has been complicated. From 1970-1993 several Stete Emblems have been used, none of which was heraldic. These are shown below.

The State Emblem during the The Khmer Republic (1970-1075)	The State Emblem during Democratic Kampuchea (1975-1979)
The State Emblem during the People's Republic of Kampuchea (1979-1989)	The State Emblem during the State of Cambodia (1989-1991)
The State Emblem during the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC, 1991-1993)