National icon

Imagine you have a special toy that you really love, and you think it's the best toy in the world. It makes you happy and you want to keep it with you all the time.

For a country, a national icon is kind of like a special toy – but it's not a toy, it's something that represents the country and what it stands for. It might be a person, a building, an animal, or a symbol that everyone in the country recognizes and loves.

For example, in the United States, the bald eagle is a national icon because it's a strong and majestic bird that represents freedom and independence. The Statue of Liberty is also a national icon because it symbolizes the welcoming spirit of America and the ideals of democracy and equality.

These icons are important because they help people feel connected to their country and its history. They remind us of what's special about our country, and they give us something to be proud of. Just like you might feel proud of your special toy, people in a country feel proud of their national icons.