About the Flag of Spain

The Spanish flag features red-yellow-red horizontal stripes with a coat of arms off center in the yellow stripe. It is defined by the Spanish Constitution of 1975, but it has been in use for hundreds of years. Here are some more facts about this European nation's flag.

Naval Ensign

This flag originated as the naval ensign, or badge, for the Spanish navy under Charles III of Spain of 1785.

Coat of Arms

The coat of arms represents the four united (but originally separate) kingdoms of Spain: Leon (the lion rampant in the upper right), Castile (the castle tower in the upper left), Aragon (the four gold bars in the lower left) and Navarre by the gold chains in the lower right corner.

Pillars of Hercules

Flanking the coat of arms are two columns, representing the Pillars of Hercules, the mythological legend associated with the Strait of Gibraltar.

The Motto

Above the two columns are the words "Plus Ultra," meaning "further beyond."

Other Flags in Use

Other flags in official use are variations on the Spanish flag, like the current naval jack and the flag of the armed forces, both of which change the coat of arms to an appropriate image.