Flag of Gibraltar

The flag of Gibraltar is a special symbol that shows the history and identity of Gibraltar. It is based on the coat of arms of Gibraltar, which was given special approval by Queen Isabella I of Castile in 1502. This makes the flag of Gibraltar very old and important.

Gibraltar is different from other places that belong to Britain because its flag does not show the Union Jack, which is the flag of the United Kingdom. Even though the Union Jack is not on Gibraltar’s flag, people in Gibraltar still fly it separately to show they are part of Britain. This special flag helps Gibraltar stand out and reminds everyone of its unique history.

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 flown all over the place, often together with the Union Flag and the Commonwealth Flag. You can see it at important spots like the border with Spain, on top of The Rock, and at the Parliament Building.

This flag means a lot to the people of Gibraltar. On Gibraltar National Day each year on September 10, many homes and offices display the flag from their windows and balconies. People even decorate their cars with the flag for this special day. This tradition started 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

The Royal Gibraltar Yacht Club has its own flag, as does the Diocese of Gibraltar in Europe.

Royal Gibraltar Yacht Club

Diocese of Gibraltar in Europe