Official Palette
Symbolism
The white and red are the colors of the Knights of Malta. The George Cross in the canton was awarded to the entire island by King George VI of the UK for bravery during World War II.
History
The bicolour has been used for centuries. The George Cross was added in 1943, and the flag in its current form was adopted upon independence on September 21, 1964.
Construction
A 2:3 ratio. A vertical bicolour of white and red. A representation of the George Cross, edged in red, is located in the upper hoist corner of the white band.
Color Meanings
white: Purity and peace
red: The blood shed for the country and bravery
Country Facts
- Population
- 574.3K
<0.1% of Europe
- Capital
- Valletta
- Languages
- English, Maltese
- Continent
- Europe
- Subregion
- Southern Europe
- Landlocked
- Island state
- ISO 3166-1
- MT
Flag Identification
- Adopted
- September 21, 1964
- Proportions
2:3 (≈1.500)
- Total Colors
- 2
- Key Symbols
- Text
Influences
Knights of Malta
George Cross award
Related flags
Flag Protocol
- The George Cross must be edged in red and placed in the upper hoist
- Must be treated as a symbol of national heroism
Practice
Think you know the flags of Europe? Test your recognition in a quick practice round.