The Flag of Malta is a basic bi-colour, with white in the hoist and red in the fly: the banner of the arms of Malta. Tradition states that the colours of the flag were given to Malta by Count Roger of Sicily, in 1091; however, this claim is only a legend developed through time.

In the upper hoist corner (in the canton of the white stripe) is the George Cross, outlined in red. The honour was awarded to the entire Maltese population for their exceptional bravery and gallantry during World War II. This flag was adopted upon Malta's independence, on 21 September 1964. The Malta flag is unique in that it is the only national flag in the world bearing a decoration from another country (in this case, the United Kingdom).

The civil ensign is totally different: it shows a red field, bordered white and charged with a white Maltese cross.

See also

• Coat of arms of Malta
• Flags and symbols of Malta
• History of Malta
• Culture of Malta
• Politics of Malta

External links

• Government of Malta website
• Department of Information - Malta

Maltese culture | National flags

Flagge Maltas | Malta lipp | Bandera de Malta | Drapeau de Malte | Bandiera maltese | דגל מלטה | Málta zászlaja | Bandiera ta' Malta | Vlag van Malta | マルタの国旗 | Flaga Malty | Bandeira de Malta | Steagul Maltei | Maltas flagga | Drapea d' Male