Tourism is a substantial industry for this colony that is located some 900 miles from the United Kingdom. Gibraltar has become a popular port for cruise-ships that sail in and out of the Mediterranean Sea. During my younger years, I would spend my summers in different parts of Spain, including Marbella. Even though this might be a location for the rich and famous to kill some time, I was far from any such lifestyle. However, my family was not all that far apart from the fancy kind of people. Laying on the beach in southern Spain, one could easily see the "rock of Gibraltar" and Morocco at times.

The civil ensign was adopted back in 1982, which means it is only some thirty years old, making this flag a relatively young state ensign. Considered a colony of Great Britain, this colony has enjoyed a good share of independence however, through self-government. The civil ensign is flown from respective flag poles throughout Gibraltar, at times along side the Union banner and the flag of Europe.

The European flag is the banner as well as the emblem of the E.U. 12 yellow colored five pointed stars are displayed on a blue field or background. The blue background represents the "west," and the 12 gold stars "completeness" and "unity." This flag has been hoisted on European flag poles for some 60 years. Adopted back in '55, the ensign's design has remained unchanged for decades. A. Heitz and P. Levy produced the design during the fifties.

Back in 1704, a so-called "Anglo-Dutch" force captured this area as part of the war of the Spanish Succession. A short time later, the British took over this territory, and became an important stronghold and base to the British Navy. The colony's economy relies heavily on tourism and financial type business and services. Also, shipping has become an important aspect of business for Gibraltar.

The Kingdom of Morocco is located to the south of the British overseas territory, right across the straight of Gibraltar. Morocco became independent back in '56, and the flag that was introduced some decades earlier, was officially adopted as the nation's ensign. This red colored flag is flown proudly on Moroccan flag poles. Red flags with various emblems had been used for at least three centuries.

Tourism is a substantial industry for this colony that is located some 900 miles from the United Kingdom. Gibraltar has become a popular port for cruise-ships that sail in and out of the Mediterranean Sea. Also, visitors that travel through Spain often make the British colony a hot item on their list of places to see. The territory flag's design is a very fitting representation of the colony's culture and such. The Spanish flag is very much likewise in that sense, and is also hoisted on Spanish flag poles throughout the country of Spain.