The coat of arms of Belgium bears a lion or, known as Leo Belgicus, as its charge. This is in accordance with article 193 of the Belgian Constitution: The Belgian nation takes red, yellow and black as colours, and as state coat of arms the Belgian lion with the motto UNITY MAKES STRENGTH. A royal decree of 17 March 1837 determines the achievement to be used in the greater and the lesser version, respectively.
Lesser coat of arms on an embassy plaque
Lesser arms on a Belgian passport cover
The Leo Belgicus was used in both heraldry and map design to symbolize the former Low Countries with the shape of a lion.
Bello Belgico by Stradæ, 1647
Leo Belgicus by Aitsinger/Hogenberg, 1583
Leo Belgicus by Claes Janszoon Visscher, 1611
Leo Belgicus by Jodocus Hondius, 1611