Flag of Spain

What the flag looks like

A horizontal triband of red, yellow and red, with the yellow band twice the height of each red one and the national coat of arms on it towards the hoist.

What it means

Red and yellow are the historic colors of the Crown of Aragon; the arms include the Pillars of Hercules with the motto 'Plus Ultra' ('Further beyond').

How to remember it

Spain's yellow band is twice as fat as each red one, with the crest nudged toward the flagpole: a broad golden road between two red stripes.

Fun facts

• The red and yellow design originated in 1785, when King Charles III chose it for warships so they could be recognized at sea.
• Spain's national anthem, the 'Marcha Real', has no official lyrics.

Spain at a glance

Capital

Madrid

Region

Southern Europe

Population

49 million

Area

505,992 km²

Languages

Spanish

Currency

Euro (€)

Flag adopted

1981