Flag of Gibraltar

The flag of Gibraltar is a special symbol for the people of Gibraltar. It is based on the coat of arms, which received approval from Queen Isabella I of Castile in 1502.

Gibraltar is unique because its flag does not include the Union Jack, the flag of the United Kingdom. Even without the Union Jack, people in Gibraltar still fly it separately to show their connection to Britain. The special flag helps Gibraltar remember its own unique story.

Description

The flag of Gibraltar was set in 1982. It has two horizontal bands: a wide white band on top and a narrower red band below. In the middle of the white band, there is a red castle with three towers. Hanging from the castle is a golden key, centered in the red band.

This flag is special because it does not include the Union Jack, unlike the flags of other British overseas territories. The castle represents the strong fortress of Gibraltar, and the key stands for Gibraltar’s important role as a strategic point, first seen as the key to Spain by the Moors and later as the key to the Mediterranean by the British.

Use

The flag of Gibraltar is seen everywhere, often with the Union Flag and the Commonwealth Flag. You can see it at important places like the border with Spain, on top of The Rock, and at the Parliament Building.

This flag is very important to the people of Gibraltar. On Gibraltar National Day each year on September 10, many homes and offices show the flag from their windows and balconies. People even put the flag on their cars for this special day. This tradition began during the 2004 celebrations for the 300th anniversary of British Gibraltar.

Students from Gibraltar who study in other countries often bring their flag with them and put it up in their university accommodation rooms.

There is a huge flag made from Lego bricks at the John Mackintosh Hall. This cultural center has a library, exhibition rooms, and a theatre. The Lego flag is 4 metres (13 feet) high and 8 metres (26 feet) long. When it was built, it was the largest flag ever made from Lego bricks, using 393,857 bricks in total.

Historical flags

Government Ensigns

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  Government Ensign (1875–1921)

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  Government Ensign (1921–1939)

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  Government Ensign (1939–1999)

Governor's flags

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  Governor of Gibraltar (1875–1939)

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  Governor of Gibraltar (1939–1982)

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  Governor of Gibraltar (1982–1999)

Other flags

Gibraltar has special flags for its Royal Yacht Club and its Diocese.

Royal Gibraltar Yacht Club

Diocese of Gibraltar in Europe