The U.S. Department of State seal is a circular emblem in a traditional government style, rendered in dark blue, white, red and gold. At its center is a bald eagle with outstretched wings, holding an olive branch and a bundle of 13 arrows. On its chest is a heraldic shield with 13 vertical red and white stripes and a blue upper section. The eagle holds a ribbon in its beak bearing the motto “E Pluribus Unum” (“Out of many, one”), while 13 white stars surrounded by clouds appear above its head. The olive branch symbolizes peace, the arrows represent readiness to defend the country, and the number 13 refers to the original American states. The central image is surrounded by a dark blue ring bearing the white inscriptions “Department of State” and “United States of America”, separated by stars, with a gold outer border. The seal is based on the obverse of the Great Seal of the United States, adopted in 1782. Full-color and monochrome versions are available for different applications.
The U.S. Department of State is the federal department responsible for the country’s foreign policy and diplomatic relations, with headquarters in Washington, D.C. It was established in July 1789 as the Department of Foreign Affairs and received its current name in September of the same year after assuming several domestic government responsibilities. The department conducts diplomatic negotiations, coordinates the work of embassies and consulates, participates in drafting international treaties, protects the interests of American citizens abroad and is responsible for issuing passports and visas. It also serves as the custodian of the Great Seal of the United States, which is used to authenticate important government documents, including international treaties and commissions appointing officials to senior government positions.
