The national emblem of Djibouti was introduced after attaining independence on 27 June 1977.
It is bordered on the sides with laurel branches. Within this perimeter there is a vertical spear, in front of which is a shield. Underneath the shield, two hands rise away from the spear, both of which carry a large knife.
These two hands symbolize the main two ethnic groups of the nation: the ethnic group Afar and the ethnic group Issa. The spear is topped by a red star. The star symbolizes the unity between the Issa and the Afar peoples.