The National Emblem of Guinea-Bissau was adopted shortly after independence from Portugal in 1973. Featured prominently is a black star, that is part of traditional Pan-African symbolism, and is often referred to as the Black star of Africa. A seashell at the bottom unites two olive branches. The sea shell is symbolism for Guinea-Bissau's location on the coast of Africa. The red banner contains the national motto of the nation: that translates to English as "Unity, Fight, Progress".
