History

This Order is conferred upon civilians for outstanding service to the Republic, as well as meritorious service within scientific, political, humanitarian, and artistic endeavours.

The inscription on the reverse of Type I reads "merito militare" or "merito civile" whereas Type II inscriptions on the reverse read "merito civile e militare".

The Grand Cross is only conferred upon Foreign Chiefs of State.

There are many variations of this Order; some feature a crown.

There is limited information regarding this item.