Flags, Symbols & Currency of Gibraltar
The Flag of Gibraltar was officially adopted on November 8, 1982. The design of the flag is based on that of Gibraltar's coat of arms, which was granted on July 10, 1502 by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain.
The Flag of Gibraltar features two horizontal bands of white (top, double width) and red with a three-towered red castle in the center of the white band. Hanging from the castle gate is a gold key that is centered in the red band. The white color symbolizes peace and honesty. The red color symbolizes the revolutionary spirit, bravery, strength, valour and hardiness shown by the countrymen during their fight for independence. The castle symbolizes Gibraltar as a fortress, while the key represents Gibraltar's strategic position at the gateway to the Mediterranean (the key to the Mediterranean). The flag has a width-to-length proportion ratio of 1:2.
Symbols of Gibraltar
The Coat of Arms of Gibraltar
The Coat of Arms of Gibraltar were granted by the Spanish Monarchs – King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella on July 10, 1502. The Coat of Arms features a shield. Two-thirds of the shield’s upper part has a white background. The rest one-third part of the shield has a red background. On the center of the white background is a three-towered red castle. A white line separates the Castle and the red background. Hanging from the castle gate is a gold key that is centered in the red background. The castle symbolizes Gibraltar as a fortress, while the key represents Gibraltar's strategic position at the gateway to the Mediterranean (the key to the Mediterranean). Below the shield on a golden-yellow scroll is the national motto: Montis Insignia Calpe (“Badge of the Rock of Gibraltar”).
National Anthem
Being an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom, "God Save the Queen" is the official national anthem of Gibraltar.
However, a regional national song titlled, "The Gibraltar Anthem" is used as the local anthem of Gibraltar. The music of the song and its lyrics have been created by Peter Emberley. The song was adopted on October 18, 1994.
The Currency of Gibraltar is the Gibraltar pound
The current official currency of Gibraltar is the Gibraltar Pound (GIP). The coins and banknotes are issued and circulated by the Government of Gibraltar.
Coins
Currently, coins in the denominations of 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1, £2, £5 are in circulation.
Banknotes
Currently, banknotes in the denominations of £5, £10, £20, £50 are in circulation.
Gibraltar pound Banknote
Gibraltar pound Coin
Historical Currencies of Gibraltar
Until 1825, the Spanish real was the official currency of Gibraltar. The Spanish real circulated alongside British and Spanish currencies, where 1 Spanish Dollar = 4 shillings 4 pence. In 1872, the Spanish currency became the only legal tender. Due to the Spanish-American War, the Spanish Peseta dropped alarmingly and the Gibraltar pound was introduced as the sole legal tender in the British Colony of Gibraltar. In 1988, the Gibraltar pound coins were circulated in the denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 pence. The 1-pound coin bore specific designs for Gibraltar. Rest of the coins had similar size and shape as per the British coins. In 1999, 2-pound coins were introduced. In 2010, a new 5-pound coin was introduced that had the inscription: “Elizabeth II – Queen of Gibraltar.”
