Country Mottos 2024

United States – In God We Trust

The United States has had two country mottos in its history with its current motto being in God we trust. The most recent motto has been reaffirmed by Congress in 2011 in a 396 – 9 vote. Prior to that, the Seal of the United States contained the motto E Pluribus Unum (Latin) which means, “From many, one” or “Out of many, one” a motto that is on the Great Seal of the United States. Historians of the nation still refer to that motto, which was affirmed by an Act of Congress in 1782.

Canada – From Sea to Sea

Canada has a few country mottos that are unofficial in nature, but the official country motto for Canada is “A mari usque ad mare” (Latin) or, “From sea to sea.” This motto is the Latin translation of a phrase that comes form Psalm 72:8 in the Bible which reads, “He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the Earth.”

France – Liberté, égalité, fraternité

The country motto for France is Liberté, égalité, fraternité, which, translated from French to English means, Liberty, equality, fraternity. The motto was born in the Age of Enlightenment which occurred in the eighteenth century when France became a leader in the world for enlightening Europe in intellectual and philosophical pursuits. The movement was inspired by the great thinker Louis XV also known as “The Beloved” who inspire France from 1715 to 1774. The country motto prevailed in the French Revolution and was written into France law in the Constitution in 1958.

Greece: Ελευθερία ή θάνατος

The motto for Greece is Ελευθερία ή θάνατος which is pronounced Eleftheria i Thanatos which translated into English means Freedom or Death. Of the many country mottos of the world, this one came from a song during a fight for independence and resistance. The motto was adopted in 1814 by a secret group known as Filiki Eteria and was launched as a means to overthrow the Ottoman rule. By the 1820s, when the Greek War of Independence occurred, it became the war cry. It is said that the 9 stripes showcased by the Greek flag is to represent 9 syllables of the motto.

Argentina -- En unión y Libertad

The country motto for Argentina is "En union y Libertad" (Spanish) which means “In Unity and Freedom.” The motto is seen on the National Coat of Arms where there are two people shaking hands. The hand shaking symbolizes the unity of the many provinces of Argentina. In between the hands is a pike, held by the hands, and this represents the power to defend and preserve liberty in the country. The hands represent unity, the pike represents power, and the cap on the pike symbolizes freedom.