Flags and symbols of Malta
4502473
224915235
2008-07-10T23:55:58Z
Rjwilmsi
203434
gen fixes + link/fix date fields in cite templates (explanation [[User:Rjwilmsi#My_correction_of_dates_in_templates|here]]) using [[Project:AutoWikiBrowser|AWB]]
{{Confusing|date=August 2007}}This article is a [[Flag terminology|vexillological]] summary of all [[flag]]s and [[symbol]]s 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.
==[[Flag of Malta|National Flag]]==
[[Image:Flag of Malta.svg|thumb|110px|right|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 of the United Kingdom|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 of Malta|Coat of Arms]]==
[[Image:Coat of arms of Malta.svg|thumb|90px|right|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 [[heraldry|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==
[[Image:Flag of the President of Malta.svg|thumb|110px|right|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==
[[Image:Civil Ensign of Malta.svg|thumb|110px|right|Civil ensign]]
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==
[[Image:British Malta Flag.JPG|thumb|100px|right|Colonial Flag]]
Flag used by the British Colonial administration of Malta prior to independence
==Pennant of the Army==
[[Image:Pennant of the Armed Forces of Malta.gif|thumb|100px|right|AFM Pennant]]
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==
[[Image:Pennant of the Malta Police Force.gif|thumb|100px|right|MPF Pennant]]
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==
[[Image:Naval Jack of Malta.svg|thumb|100px|right|Jack]]
The [[Maritime flags#Jacks|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==
[[Image:Roundel of Malta.svg|thumb|80px|right|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==
[[Image:Rudder of Malta.jpg|thumb|60px|right|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 of Malta|Knights' Flag]]==
[[Image:Maltese-Cross-Heraldry.svg|thumb|150px|right|Maltese Cross]]
[[Image:Flag of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.svg|thumb|150px|right|Flag of the SMOM]]
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.
==References==
* {{cite web | title= Flags, symbols and their use | work= Department of Information| url=http://www.doi.gov.mt/EN/state/symbols.asp | accessdate=March 24 | accessyear=2006}}
* {{cite book | title=Government Notice No. 517. The Malta Government Gazette (No. 15,310) | date=[[July 25]] [[1990]] | year=1990 }}
[[Category:National symbols of Malta]]
[[Category:National flags|Malta]]
[[bg:Национално знаме на Малта]]
[[de:Flagge Maltas]]
[[et:Malta lipp]]
[[es:Bandera de Malta]]
[[eu:Maltako bandera]]
[[fr:Drapeau de Malte]]
[[it:Bandiera maltese]]
[[he:דגל מלטה]]
[[hu:Málta zászlaja]]
[[mt:Bandiera ta' Malta]]
[[nl:Vlag van Malta]]
[[ja:マルタの国旗]]
[[pl:Flaga Malty]]
[[pt:Bandeira de Malta]]
[[ro:Steagul Maltei]]
[[fi:Maltan lippu]]
[[sv:Maltas flagga]]
[[wa:Drapea d' Male]]