National Symbols
Find authoritative versions of Gapla’s national symbols here.
The Three Main Symbols
Gapla’s flag, Coat of Arms, and state seal are the three main national symbols that represent our country.
National Flag
The national flag, officially known as the Standard of Greater Gaplastovia, serves as Gapla’s national symbol when a banner-like or rectangular presentation is appropriate. It also functions as the naval ensign and is displayed on national and commercial vessels.
Design: Wyatt Baek (2019, 3:4; 2020, 2:3)
Coat of Arms
The Coat of Arms represents Gapla in matters concerning the monarchy or in formal iconographic contexts. Its greater and lesser versions symbolize the Gaplan monarchy, while the middle version is most commonly used for general or governmental purposes.
Design: Christopher Ramsay (2023)
State Seal
The state seal, officially known as the Star, Wreath, and Crown, represents Gapla when referring to the government or in informal iconographic contexts. It is typically the most widely used symbol of Gapla in brochures and other public-facing materials.
Design: Wyatt Baek (2023)
The Construction and Symbolism of the Flag
Gapla’s national flag must be constructed according to official specifications and colors.
The following section presents the official flag construction sheet along with the symbolism of the flag.
Construction of the Flag
The flag construction sheet to the left outlines the process for creating the Gaplan flag, detailing the colors designated for the official version of the national flag.
Symbolism of the Flag
The colors of the flag embody the core values of national pride and governance.
- The blue background symbolizes the people, connecting with both the red and orange, as the pride of the people stems from the people themselves, and the government is formed by the people. It also signifies that while citizens are crucial, they cannot change the nation, symbolized by the star, on their own.
- The red cross represents the people’s pride and extends throughout the flag, as this pride influences the people, shapes the government, and impacts the nation as a whole.
- The orange circle represents the government, which is closest to the star, symbolizing the nation. This is because the government derives its strength from the pride and will of the people.
- The yellow star represents the nation itself, touching all elements except the blue, illustrating that the nation cannot be changed by citizens alone. It connects with the orange, indicating that the government has the power to influence the nation, and with the red, showing that the pride of the people also plays a role in shaping it. The star has five points, symbolizing the five precincts of the country.
The State Seal and the Coat of Arms
The following section presents both the greater and lesser versions of the Coat of Arms.
In addition, an explanation of the symbolism behind the Coat of Arms and the state seal is also presented.
The State Seal
The state seal consists of a laurel wreath, symbolizing unity and federation, a six-pointed star representing the six original Heroes of the Gaplan Revolution, and the heraldic crown of the Sovereign Prince, signifying the monarchy.
The Coat of Arms
The greater (top) and lesser (bottom) versions of the Coat of Arms are to the left.
The symbolism of each component of the Greater Coat of Arms is detailed below.
- The crown at the top of the Coat of Arms is the heraldic crown of the Sovereign Prince, distinct from the physical crown. The Order of the Gaplan Star is featured, as it is the most prestigious order in the nation. The motto displayed is Gapla’s federal motto.
- The two bears represent California, where Gapla was founded, and Greater Danubia, known for its brown bear population. The hummingbirds symbolize Gapla’s official animal, chosen because they were abundant in the former location of New Gaplastovia, making them the national symbol.
- The divided lands separated by a sea represent New Gaplastovia on the right and Cristus on the left, with the Danube River acting as the division between them.
- In the escutcheon, the sun signifies the heat and constant sunshine across most of Gapla’s territory, while the land represents Greater Danubia. The knight standing on the land symbolizes Gapla’s ownership of Greater Danubia.
The National Mottos
The official state motto of Gapla is Erit Ergo Justitia (Latin for “Justice will be Served”), though the original government-endorsed translation was “May Justice be Served.” This motto reflects Gapla’s foundational desire for justice, and is featured on the Coat of Arms.
The secondary state motto is Liberty, Justice, Peace, and Progress, although this version is used only used extremely sparingly.
The National Anthem and March
The national anthem and the national march are the two pieces of music that represent Gapla.
The national anthem, Hail Gaplastovia, was composed as a march in 2017 by Parker Gaims. In 2024, Wyatt Baek added Gaplan lyrics to the piece. The anthem represents Gapla on the international stage, in diplomatic events, and at sporting occasions. The following audio file is the official state recording of the National Anthem of the Federated States of Gapla, Hail Gaplastovia. A PDF file of the lyrics can be found at by clicking here.
The national march, March of the Revolution, was composed in 1848 by Johann Strauss I, a celebrated Austrian composer. It was officially adopted as the national march in 2024. This piece is frequently used by the Ministry of the Armed Forces and at various patriotic events. The following audio file is the official state recording of the National March of the Federated States of Gapla, March of the Revolution.
Ready to get involved?
Citizenship
Citizenship in Gapla is free and is the initial step in joining our community. As a citizen, you can start a business, engage with fellow citizens, and are eligible to apply for the Provisional Government.
Nationbuilding
Joining the Provisional Government makes you one of Gapla’s visionaries. As a member of the Provisional Government, you’ll be involved in building and planning Gapla, including communicating with the press.
Settlement
While we aren’t at settlement yet, Gapla is currently offering opportunities for physical contributions, including land surveying, tourism, and camping. These opportunities are limited and available by request.