SPAIN THE COUNTRY

Fancy a little history and geography lesson …. read on, if not skip and move onto the next blog entry.(Source:www.worldmapmaker.com)

The Flag (adopted 19 December 1981)

Flag:the flag consists of 3 horizontal stripes.The top and bottom stripes are of equal size and red, while the middle yellow stripe is double the size of the red stripes.Towards the left side of the yellow stripe is the country's coat of arms.The coat of arms consists of a crowned shield, quartered and guarded on each side by the crowned Pillars of Hercules - representing Gibraltar and Ceuta.Each quarter displays badges of the original Spanish kingdoms.In the centre of the shield is the emblem of the current reigning Spanish Royal family, house of Bourbon, which is blue oval with a red-edged border containing three fleur de lies.At the bottom of the shield is a pomegranate representing Grenada.Wrapped around the pillars is a red scroll with the motto "Plus Ultra" written on it.The motto translates to "there is more beyond".

Meaning:Red and yellow are traditional Spanish colours and originate from the coat of arms of the original Spanish kingdoms.