Symbols of Malta

This article is a vexillological summary of all flags and symbols in current use by the island nation of Malta. More information on the history of the various flags and emblems, as well as on their equivalents which are no longer in use, is found on the specific articles, linked to in the subtitle headings.

=National Flag=

The National Flag of Malta is defined in the Constitution and consists of two equal vertical stripes, white in the hoist and red in the fly, with a representation of the George Cross, edged with red, in the canton of the white stripe; the breadth of the flag is one and a half times its height. The George Cross decoration was awarded by King George VI for collective gallantry in 1942. Malta remained the only collective awardee of the decoration until it was awarded to the Royal Ulster Constabulary of Northern Ireland in 1999.

=Coat of Arms=

The current emblem of Malta is described by the Emblem and Public Seal of Malta Act (1975) as a shield showing an heraldic representation of the National Flag; above the shield a mural crown in gold with a sally port and eight turrets (five only being visible) representing the fortifications of Malta and denoting a City State; and around the shield a wreath of two branches: the dexter of Olive, the sinister of Palm, symbols of peace and courage to victory traditionally associated with Malta, all in their proper colours, tied at base with a white ribbon, backed red and upon which are written the words "Repubblika ta' Malta" in capital letters in black.

Presidential Flag

The Presidential Flag of Malta was introduced by a proclamation dated December 12 1988. This flag is flown on the President's official residences and offices and on all occasions at which he is present. It has the same proportions as the National Flag and consists of a blue field with the Emblem of Malta at its centre; and a Maltese Cross in gold in each corner.

Merchant Flag

The Merchant Flag of Malta, the civil ensign, was introduced by the Merchant Shipping Act and consists of a red field bordered in white, with a white Maltese Cross at its centre. This flag is flown by Maltese civilian vessels as their ensign. Maltese military vessels fly the National Flag.

Archbishop's Flag

The flag used by the Archbishop of Malta consists of two equal vertical stripes, yellow in the hoist and white in the fly.

Historical Colonial Flag

Flag used by the British Colonial administration of Malta prior to independence

Pennant of the Army

The pennant used by the Commander of the Armed Forces of Malta consists of a red field with the symbol of the Armed Forces in gold at its centre.

Pennant of the Police

The pennant used by the Commissioner of the Police Force consists of a blue field with the symbol of the Police Force at its centre.

Jack

The jack flown by Maltese military vessels consists of a square flag, consisting of a George Cross proper fimbriated in red in the centre of a white square, within a red square. Each corner of the red square shall contain a white Maltese Cross.

Aircraft Roundel

Maltese military aircraft carry a roundel on the wings and fuselage, consisting of a George Cross proper fimbriated in red in the centre of a white disc, within a red disc. Whenever then national flag is painted on the side of an aeroplane, the hoist should be towards the front of the plane with the fly flowing aft.

Aircraft Rudder

Maltese military aircraft carry a rudder or fin flash consisting of two equal vertical strips, one white and the other red with the white leading and bearing across its top third a George Cross proper fimbriated in red.

=Knights'

The original flag of the Knights Hospitaller consists of a white Maltese Cross on a black background. A number of organizations have used the Maltese Cross, which first appeared in the First Crusade, in their flags and insignia. The Knights' modern successor, the "Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta" (SMOM), has a flag consisting of a white Maltese Cross on a red background and another flag consisting of a white symmetrical cross on a red field with the cross having a width of 1/5 the height of the flag - similar to the flag of England, colors reversed. All the flags have a proportion of 5:3.

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