The national Flag of Malta consists of two equal vertical stripes, white in the hoist and red in the fly. A representation of the George Cross, awarded to Malta by His Majesty King George VI on the 15th April 1942, is carried, edged with red, in the canton of the white stripe.

According to tradition, the National Colors were given to the Maltese by Count Roger in 1090. Roger the Norman had landed in Malta to oust the Arabs from the Island. Out of regard for their hospitality Roger gave the Maltese part of the pennant of the Hautevilles to serve as their colors.

The Maltese Coat-of-Arms consists of a shield showing a heraldic representation of the National Flag of Malta. Above the shield there is a mural crown in gold with sally port and eight turrets (five only being visible), representing the fortifications of Malta and denoting a City State.

Around the shield there is a wreath of two branches, the left of olive, the right of palm, symbols of peace and traditionally associated with Malta, all in their proper colors, tied at the base with a white ribbon, backed with red and upon which are written the words "Repubblika ta' Malta" (Republic of Malta) in capital letters in black.

Malta's National Anthem

In 1922, Dr. A.V. Laferla, Director of Primary Schools, obtained possession of a piece of music composed by Dr. R. Sammut. He handed it to Dun Karm, a well-known priest and poet, to write the lyrics for it as a school hymn. As Dun Karm began writing, he suddenly conceived the idea of writing a hymn in the form of a prayer to the Almighty.

Dun Karm, who was later to become Malta's National Poet, wanted to bridge the gap existing between the political parties and to unite all with the strong ties of religion and patriotism. L-INNU MALTI was first played on the 3rd February 1923. In 1945 it was declared to be the official Anthem of Malta.

Lil din l-art helwa, l-Omm li tatna isimha,
Hares Mulej, kif dejjem Int harist:
Ftakar li lilha bl-ohla dawl libbist.

Aghti, kbir Alla, id-dehen lil min jahkimha,
Rodd il-hniena lis-sid, sahha 'l-haddiem:
Seddaq il-ghaqda fil-Maltin u s-sliem.

English Translation....

Guard her, O Lord, as ever Thou hast guarded!
This Motherland so dear whose name we bear!
Keep her in mind, whom Thou hast made so fair!

May he who rules, for wisdom be regarded!
In master mercy, strength in man increase!
Confirm us all, in unity and peace!

(Source: Malta Information, Dept of Information, July 1994)

Back