In literature, a motto is a sentence, phrase, poem, or word; prefixed to an essay, chapter, novel, or the like, suggestive of its subject matter. It is a short, suggestive expression of a guiding principle for the written material that follows.

This article lists state and national mottos for the world's nations. The mottos for some states lacking general international recognition, extinct states, non-sovereign nations, regions, and territories are listed, but their names are not bolded. A state motto is used to describe the intent or motivation of the state in a short phrase.

All of the United States' 50 states have a state motto, as do the District of Columbia and 3 of its territories. A motto is a phrase intended to formally describe the general motivation or intention of an organization. State mottos can sometimes be found on state seals or state flags.

Amsterdam Zoo: Natura Artis Magistra (Nature is the teacher of art); International Expositions: Semper Verum (Always true); Monarchist League of Canada: Fidelitate Coniuncti (United by fealty); Real Academia Española (Royal Spanish Academy): Spanish: Limpia, fija y da Esplendor (Cleans, fixes and gives shine); Royal Society: Nullius in verba (On the word of no one)

The modern motto of the United States of America, as established in a 1956 law signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, is "In God we trust". [1][2][3] The phrase first appeared on U.S. coins in 1864. [2]

A national motto is chosen to describe the intent or motivation of the state in a short phrase. For example, it can be included on a country's flag, coat of arms, or a currency for that country.

A motto is a phrase meant to formally describe the general motivation or intention of a social group or organization.

Capitalized "IN GOD WE TRUST" on the reverse of a United States twenty-dollar bill"In God We Trust" (also rendered as "In God we trust") is the official motto of the United States [1] [2] [3] as well as the motto of the U.S. state of Florida, along with the nation of Nicaragua (Spanish: En Dios confiamos). [4] [5] It was adopted by the U.S. Congress …

The Scout Motto of the Scout movement is, in English, "Be Prepared", with most international branches of the group using a close translation of that phrase. These mottoes have been used by millions of Scouts around the world since 1907. Most of the member organizations of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) share the same mottoes.

E pluribus unum (/ iː ˈ p l ɜːr ɪ b ə s ˈ uː n ə m / ee PLUR-ib-əs OO-nəm, Classical Latin: [eː ˈpluːrɪbʊs ˈuːnʊ̃], Latin pronunciation: [e ˈpluribus ˈunum]) – Latin for "Out of many, one" [1] [2] (also translated as "One out of many" [3]) – is a traditional motto of the United States, appearing on the Great Seal along ...