Gibraltar Flag

The white stripe signifies peace and neutrality; the red represents strength and bravery. The three‑towered castle represents the fortress of Gibraltar, while the golden key suspended from the castle symbolizes Gibraltar’s strategic role as “the key to the Mediterranean” due to its location at the entrance to the sea.

The flag’s design is derived from the 1502 coat of arms granted by Queen Isabella I of Castile, which featured the red castle and golden key. It was unofficially used for centuries but only formally adopted as Gibraltar’s flag on 8 November 1982. Before that, a local badge was used on a Blue Ensign, and later, the castle and key motif served as the colony’s badge. The adoption of the flag affirmed Gibraltar’s identity and heritage while emphasizing its ties to both Spain’s historical legacy and British governance.

The flag has a white field occupying two‑thirds of the height, and a red stripe occupying the lower third. At the center of the white field is a red three‑towered castle, and hanging from its central doorway is a detailed gold key whose teeth face downward. The flag follows a 1:2 proportion, with crisp geometric lines highlighting the castle and key motif.

The Gibraltar flag is flown on government buildings, public celebrations, and during commemorations such as Gibraltar National Day on 10 September. It may be flown alongside the Union Jack and the EU flag (when applicable), but never on the same pole. Flag etiquette requires respectful treatment—clean, whole flags only; raising and lowering with dignity; and half‑mast display during official mourning.