Gibraltar Flag: Meaning and History

Embroidered flag patch — Gibraltar

History of the flag

Gibraltar (a British overseas territory) adopted its flag in 1982.

It draws its inspiration from the city's coat of arms, created in the XVIth century.

What do the elements of the flag mean?

  • The fortress of Gibraltar, a symbol of military power. The golden key evokes Gibraltar's strategic role as the ‘key to the Mediterranean’.

  • Spanish heraldic colors, retained despite the British connection.