Flags of Malta

The National Flag of Malta is a basic two-toned flag which consists of two red stripes equal in size, the left stripe or the hoist is white while the right stripe is red. In the upper left portion of the white portion of the flag is a red-edged cross which denotes of the so-called George Cross, awarded by King George in 1942 for the bravery and gallantry of the people of Malta during the Second World War. Malta is the first to be awarded of the symbol. The only other recipient of the honor is the Royal Ulster Constabulary of Northern Ireland.

The flag of Malta is the only flag in the world that bears a symbol from another country, the George Cross being a symbol of the United Kingdom. Malta adopted its current flag on September 21, 1964, on the same day of its independence. Initially the colors of the flag of Malta were given by Count Roger of Sicily in 1901. The current flag of Malta is similar to the checkered banner carried by Count Roger. Many historians though doubt this story dismissing it as nothing more than a myth.