Malta Flag

Flags of the World > Malta Flag

Brief History. Malta came to prominence during the Crusades as Christian troops passed through on their way to the Holy Land. By 1800, Malta was under British control with formal annexation following in 1814. During the second World War, German and Italian air raids created great destruction to Malta. A grateful Britain awarded the entire population of Malta the George Cross for bravery after the war. While the constitutions of 1921 and 1939 provided for limited self-rule, it was not until 1964 that Malta gained its independence within the British Commonwealth and with Elizabeth II as its monarch. In 1971, Malta became fully independent, eliminating all ties to the British crown.