The national emblem of Somaliland (Somali: Astaanta Qaranka Somaliland, Arabic: شعار أرض الصومال), was introduced on 14 October 1996 along with the flag of Somaliland, when it was approved by the National Conference. It was introduced by Abdullahi Abdi Omar (Jawaan). Having declared its independence on 18 May 1991, the region's self-declared independence remains unrecognised by any country or international organization.