Malta’s national flag is divided vertically into white and red, with the George Cross edged in red in the upper hoist corner. The cross records the collective George Cross awarded to Malta during the Second World War.
What does the Maltese flag look like?
The flag has two equal vertical bands: white at the hoist and red at the fly. In the upper corner of the white band is the George Cross, outlined in red.
Why is the George Cross on the flag?
King George VI awarded the George Cross to the people of Malta in 1942 in recognition of their bravery during the intense Axis bombing of the islands in the Second World War. The decoration became part of Malta’s flag and remained there after independence in 1964.
What about the red and white colors?
A popular legend attributes the colors to Count Roger of Sicily in 1091, but the historical basis of that story is disputed. Red and white were also associated with the Knights of St John, who ruled Malta from 1530 to 1798. It is better to distinguish these traditions from firmly documented modern history.
Malta flag facts
- Colors: white and red
- Symbol: George Cross
- George Cross awarded: 1942
- Independence: 1964
Source
Reference: CIA World Factbook — Malta.
