Waving the Spain Flag High

Today, Spain is ranked ninth worldwide in terms of economic performance. Among all countries in the European continent, its economy is the fifth largest. Back in the 16th and 17th century, however, Spain was the most powerful country in Europe. It was able to expand its power and territory to its colonies all over the world. Some of the countries that it colonized are Guam, Philippines, Marianas Islands, Mexico and almost all South and Central American countries. During this century, the Spain flag was proudly waved by explorers and the country was tagged as the first country that the sun did not set.

Through the years, the Spain flag had undergone several changes. However, through all these time, this flag symbolized the great country that is Spain. Two colors are predominant in the Spain flag. These are red and yellow with the yellow part having a width that is twice that of the red parts with three horizontal stripes with the wider yellow stripe at the center. The present flag of the country had just been adopted on December 19, 1981. Through the centuries that had passed, there had been no changes where the colors of the flag are concerned. Most of the changes were made on the coat of arms that is printed on the left side of the yellow middle part.

The coat of arms that is in the current Spain flag is that of a crowned shield that is flanked on both sides by the crowned Pillars of Hercules. The badges of the four original kingdoms of Spain had been integrated into the current coat of arms. The Constitution of Spain 1978 is the law that defines the national Spain flag. According to this law, a flag with only the three colors and without the coat of arms is the plain or civil version of the flag. If the flag used has a coat of arms, the activity or ceremony that is being initiated is by the government or by the royal family.

Policies on Flag Use

There are policies that are observed in Spain regarding the use of the Spain flag. The flag should be flown in government offices 24 hours a day. The area of where the flag is flown should be properly lighted at night. Likewise, it should not be damaged or dirtied in any way. To show mourning, the Spain flag can either be flown half-staff or a black ribbon may be attached to it. Moreover, if the Spain flag is flown with other flags, a certain order should be followed. The order should be as follows: the national flag, flags of foreign states, flag of the European Union, flags of international non-government organizations, Autonomous communities flags, military and government standards, city flags and other minor flags.