Flag of Gibraltar

The Flag of Gibraltar, a unique British overseas territory located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, is a powerful symbol of its rich history, strategic position, and the unyielding spirit of its people. Unlike many other flags of British overseas territories, Gibraltar's flag does not feature the Union Jack, emphasizing its distinct identity and historical autonomy.

Description and Elements of the Flag

The Flag of Gibraltar is an emblem based on its coat of arms, which was granted by Royal Warrant from Queen Isabella I of Castile on July 10, 1502. The flag consists of two horizontal stripes: a wider white stripe at the top and a narrower red stripe at the bottom, occupying one-third of the flag's height.

In the center of the white stripe is a red three-towered castle. Each tower has black windows and a door, and from the central door, a golden key hangs, extending onto the red field of the flag. The castle is masoned in black, and its windows and door are also black.

• White (field): The upper, wider white stripe, symbolizes peace, purity, holiness, and faith. It occupies two-thirds of the flag's height.

• Red (stripe and castle): The lower red stripe, making up one-third of the flag's height, as well as the red castle, symbolize the revolutionary spirit, courage, resilience, and sacrifices made by the citizens of Gibraltar in their struggle for freedom.

• Three-towered Castle: The castle depicted on the white field is a direct representation of the Fortress of Gibraltar (Moorish Castle), a historical symbol of the territory's defense and impregnability. It also refers to the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Castile, of which Gibraltar was a part at the time. The castle signifies strength and fortitude, reflecting Gibraltar's historical importance as an unassailable stronghold.

• Golden Key: The golden key, hanging from the central tower of the castle and extending onto the red field, is the most significant and unique element of the flag. It symbolizes Gibraltar's strategic position as the "key" to the Mediterranean Sea, controlling its entrance and exit. This highlights the geopolitical importance of the territory as a guardian and defender of the strait through which ships pass between the Eastern and Western Seas. The idea of Gibraltar being the key to the Mediterranean originated long before the Spanish conquest, and it is said that the followers of Tariq ibn Ziyad, who invaded Spain via Gibraltar in 711, adopted the symbol of the key when they settled in Granada.

Dimensions, Colors, and Placement of Elements

The standard proportions of the Gibraltar flag are 1:2. This means its length is twice its height.

• Stripe Ratio: The white stripe occupies the upper two-thirds of the flag, and the red stripe occupies the lower one-third.

• Symbol Placement: The red castle is located in the center of the white stripe, and the golden key hangs from its central tower onto the red stripe, creating a dynamic and recognizable image.

• Color Palette: Bright and contrasting colors are used – pure white, rich red, and gleaming gold, making the flag striking and expressive.

History of Creation and Adoption of the Flag

The history of the Gibraltar flag is closely linked to its ancient coat of arms, which is one of the oldest in Europe. The coat of arms was granted to the City of Gibraltar by Queen Isabella I of Castile on July 10, 1502. This coat of arms served as the basis for the modern flag.

Before the official adoption of the modern flag in 1982, like many other British colonies and territories, Gibraltar used modifications of the British Blue Ensign with the coat of arms in a disc on the fly. However, with the development of Gibraltarian national identity, there arose a need for a unique symbol that would fully reflect local heritage and self-governance.

The flag, based on the 1502 coat of arms, had been in unofficial use since 1966 but received official Royal Approval on November 8, 1982. From this moment, it became the official civil and state flag of Gibraltar, used by citizens and the government. This decision marked an important stage in the development of Gibraltar's self-awareness, emphasizing its self-governing status, unlike the flags of other British overseas territories which often incorporate the British flag.

Country, Region, and Interesting Facts

Gibraltar is a British overseas territory located on the southern coast of the Iberian Peninsula, at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea. It borders Spain to the north, and to the south, across the Strait of Gibraltar, lies Morocco. Gibraltar is one of the smallest territories in the world, with an area of less than 7 square kilometers, most of which is occupied by the famous Rock of Gibraltar.

• Barbary Macaques: Gibraltar is the only place in Europe where semi-wild monkeys – Barbary macaques – live in their natural habitat. According to local belief, Gibraltar will remain British as long as at least one monkey is alive.

• Fusion of Cultures: Due to its strategic location and long history of conquests, Gibraltar represents a unique blend of cultures, including British, Spanish, Moorish, and Genoese.

• Airport with a Road: The runway of Gibraltar's airport intersects the main road leading into the territory. Traffic is stopped by barriers during aircraft take-offs and landings.

• Financial and Maritime Center: Despite its modest size, Gibraltar is an important financial and maritime center, as well as a popular tourist destination. Its economic pillars include financial services, maritime services, e-gaming, and tourism.

• Right-hand Traffic: Although Gibraltar is a British territory, traffic here is right-hand drive, as in continental Europe, due to its land border with Spain.

• Gateway to the Mediterranean: The Rock of Gibraltar and the Strait hold immense strategic importance, serving as the gateway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

Significance of the Flag for Residents

For the residents of Gibraltar, known as Gibraltarians, the flag is a deeply meaningful symbol of their identity, heritage, and national spirit.

• Symbol of Pride and Strength: The flag embodies the pride of Gibraltarians in their unique history and resilience in the face of challenges. The castle and key on the flag serve as a constant reminder of Gibraltar's impregnability and its ability to withstand, which is especially important given territorial claims from Spain.

• Reflection of Sovereignty and Self-Governance: The absence of the Union Jack on the flag, unlike many other British overseas territories, symbolizes Gibraltar's high degree of self-governance and its special constitutional link with the United Kingdom. This emphasizes that Gibraltar is not just a colony, but a territory with its own identity and rights.

• National Unity: The flag is a unifying symbol for the entire population of Gibraltar, bringing them together regardless of ethnic origin. It is widely used during national holidays, such as Gibraltar National Day (September 10), as well as at sporting events, fostering a stronger sense of community and belonging.

• Historical Heritage: The castle and key are not just abstract symbols but direct references to the ancient coat of arms, which was granted during the period of Spanish rule. This highlights Gibraltar's long and complex history, its ability to adapt and maintain its uniqueness throughout centuries. The flag serves as a living monument to the past and an inspiration for the future.

In the demonstration images, full-size flags are shown with proportions of 2:3, and hand-held flags with proportions of 1:2.