| Colors | HEX Code | RGB | CMYK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red | #C8102E | 200, 16, 46 | 0, 92, 77, 22 |
| White | #FBFBFB | 251, 251, 251 | 0, 0, 0, 2 |
The flag of Malta is a bicolor. It is white at the hoist and red at the fly side. A representation of the George Cross is placed in the canton. On the cross Saint George riding a horse and slaying a dragon is featured.
Meaning of the Flag of Malta
The white and red colors go back to the rule of Count Roger of Sicily who had a chequered red and white banner. It also represents the colors used by the Knights of Malta who raised a red flag with a white Maltese Cross.
History of the Flag of Malta
After centuries of Muslim rule, Sicily’s Count Roger took control over the islands of Malta under a chequered red and white flag. He offered the colors of his banners to Malta. Then, the Knights of Malta ruled the Island between the 16th and 18th centuries. Their flag was red with a white cross. In the 19th century, Britain took control of Malta. In 1943, King George VI granted the George Cross to Malta, appreciating its people’s heroic defense during WWII. Malta adopted a white and red flag with the George Cross in the blue canton. Malta proclaimed independence from Britain in 1964 and changed the flag by removing the blue canton. George Cross was kept with two shades of grey and a red border. The new flag was officially adopted on 21 September 1964.