[1] It consists of a peregrine falcon on the left and a grey parrot on the right holding a cocoa pod–shaped shield with a palm in its center.

[2] The shield is surmounted by a blue star, and above it there is a band that states the official name of the country in Portuguese.

[3] The national motto – "Unity, discipline, work" – is inscribed in Portuguese at the base of the arms.

[3] In 1935, the colonies of the Portuguese Empire were officially assigned coats of arms that followed a standard design pattern.

[4] São Tomé and Príncipe went through three different coats of arms during the Portuguese colonial period.